Northern Ireland

Survey shows majority support for protocol

A new survey shows a majority of people in the north support the protocol. Picture by Liam McBurney/PA Wire
A new survey shows a majority of people in the north support the protocol. Picture by Liam McBurney/PA Wire A new survey shows a majority of people in the north support the protocol. Picture by Liam McBurney/PA Wire

A MAJORITY in the north support the protocol and oppose the British government's contentious legislation that seeks to disapply elements of the post-Brexit trade arrangements, according to a new survey.

Polling conducted earlier this month on behalf of Queen's University found 54 per cent of respondents regard the protocol with grace periods as the most appropriate measure for managing the regional impact of the UK's departure from the EU.

More than half of those surveyed – 53 per cent – believe the protocol benefits the north's economy and offers the north unique economic opportunities.

Little over one-third of those surveyed by Lucid Talk – 34 per cent – are opposed to the protocol.

But while support is strong for the annexe to the Withdrawal Agreement that was ratified by Westminster two years ago, almost two-thirds – 62 per cent – acknowledge that the protocol is having a negative impact on political stability, while a similar proportion – 60 per cent – believe the post-Brexit arrangements are damaging British-Irish relations.

Almost half of respondents – 49 per cent – think the protocol has a negative impact on Northern Ireland’s constitutional position in the UK, while 47 per cent think it negatively affects the region's position in the UK internal market.

However, a majority of those surveyed – 71 per cent – oppose the British government's unilateral action in the form of the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill, which is currently being scrutinised in the House of Lords.

The survey also highlights low levels of expectation from the resumed talks between the UK and EU. Under half – 46 per cent – are optimistic about the prospects of the talks leading to a resolution, compared to 34 per cent who are pessimistic.

Queen's University's Professor David Phinnemore said many voters in Northern Ireland were clearly concerned about the impact of the protocol and what its full operation would mean.

"While there is significant minority resolutely opposed to the protocol, a majority of voters continue to see either actual or potential benefits and would much prefer outstanding issues between the UK and the EU to be resolved through agreement as opposed to unilateral action by the UK government," he said.

"There is some optimism that the latest UK-EU talks will lead to such agreement."