UK For Sec-No Route Through NI Protocol Issues Yet, But Atmosphere Better

UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly speaking to the House of Commons European Scrutiny select committee regarding the Northern Ireland protocol. States on the nature of talks, "The fact I am speaking regularly with [EU Commission VP] Sefcovic, the fact there is a better atmosphere is important and is positive, but it shouldn’t be read that I am shy in putting forward the very real concerns that exist."

• Cleverly on the protocol issues: "You can’t skirt round it, you can’t ignore it, I don’t yet see a route through that. If we can find one I am very happy to, but those concerns are there, they cannot be wished away....We want to maintain all the elements of Good Friday Agreement...."
• The two sides remain in something of a holding pattern at present. Early stage technical talks on the protocol continue. The Northern Ireland Protocol bill, which would unilaterally disapply the protocol, is still going through the House of Lords but at a very slow pace. The snap elections to the Northern Ireland assembly, seen by UK and EU as potentially delaying talks further, are not set to take place until the New Year at the earliest.
• Cleverly says that the gov't will "pursue both tracks" in holding talks w/EU and continuing NIP bill through parliament.