Disappointment Over Cancellation of EU-UK Parliamentary Partnership Assembly – MEP Kelly

Sean Kelly, First Vice Chair of the PPA and MEP for Ireland South, has expressed disappointment over the cancellation of the EU-UK Parliamentary Partnership Assembly (PPA). Scheduled to convene next Monday and Tuesday in the European Parliament, the Assembly aimed to foster dialogue and collaboration between members of the UK Parliament and the European Parliament.

“It is disappointing that the EU-UK PPA has been cancelled, which was set to take place in the European Parliament next week. It was going to be the last meeting of the European term and the first PPA meeting to take place since the restoration of the Stormont Assembly,” stated Kelly.

“After two years of being starved of political representation, there are a number of issues facing the people of Northern Ireland that need to be discussed and addressed,” remarked Kelly.

“Pressing matters in relation to Customs controls on goods, in particular on agri-foods, also need to be discussed.”

He noted the irony in the cancellation, as the Assembly was side-lined for a vote on the Rwanda Bill in the House of Commons while EU-UK cooperation on migration was a significant agenda item for the Brussels meeting.

“It is also ironic that the PPA is being cancelled for a vote on the Rwanda Bill in the House of Commons as cooperation on migration was another important point on the PPA agenda,” Kelly stated.

Kelly acknowledged the efforts of Co-Chairs Nathalie Loiseau MEP and Sir Oliver Heald and emphasised the importance of political representation, especially concerning pressing issues facing Northern Ireland.

“This cancellation ultimately reflects on Prime Minister Sunak’s priorities,” MEP Kelly added.