Ulster Unionist MEP Jim Nicholson has welcomed news that some progress has been made on the Prime Minister’s renegotiation of the UK’s relationship with the European Union. The proposed deal is still at the negotiating stage and will have to be agreed by all 28 Member States of the EU. 

Mr Nicholson said: 

“I welcome the news that some progress has been made in relation to each of the four areas which have been the focus of the renegotiation; increasing economic competitiveness and cutting red-tape, greater protection and safeguards for non-eurozone Member States, restricting access to benefits for EU migrants and greater powers for national parliaments. 

“The proposals released today relate to complex and important issues and warrant careful consideration.  The document is however a draft settlement and is not a deal until it is agreed by all 28 Member States.  

“Now that the paper has been circulated between the EU’s leaders there will be further negotiations ahead of the crunch EU summit on 18/19 February.  More detail is needed regarding the proposals, in particular in relation to the proposed ‘emergency brake’ on benefits for migrant workers and the ‘red card’ system which aims to increase the power of national parliaments. 

“The European question will be a major decision not just for the UK as a whole, but for Northern Ireland in particular. We are the only part of the UK to share a land frontier with a Eurozone country, and there may be serious consequences for many sectors of our business community. 

“There is potential for the proposed reforms to address serious concerns the UK has about the EU, but the process is on-going. Some progress has been made during negotiations, but we must now wait to see if a final deal is indeed agreed between EU leaders and the precise detail of that agreement. 

“If a deal is agreed this month, I and my Ulster Unionist colleagues will assess that final package.”