UK's Frost: NI Protocol Talks Nowhere Near Producing Results

A number of headlines emerging quoting UK Cabinet Office minister Lord Frost speaking about talks on the Northern Ireland protocol.

• Frost: There has been some progress, but not as much as desired...Biggest area of success has been in medical supplies to NI, far less progress in other areas...A resolution on governance is required...I don't believe talks are near to producing results that will solve difficulties...A solution must be found quickly, maybe early next year...We remain ready to use Article 16 safeguard mechanism if that is the only way to protect the prosperity and stability of NI.
• There has been much focus of if or when the UK gov't invokes Article 16. This would disapply the NI Protocol, removing any customs checks between GB and NI, but would threaten the integrity of the EU's Single Market if the NI/RoI border were left without checks.
• Following weeks of poor headlines and a disastrous by-election on 16 December, UK PM Boris Johnson could seek to invoke Art.16 as an attempt to rally Brexit supporters around the UK against an 'intransigent EU'. However, could backfire massively if the EU retaliates with tariffs or sanctions.