Britain and Europe Should Work Together on Northern Ireland

It’s beyond disappointing that UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson chose to escalate his quarrel with the European Union at this moment, with war raging in Ukraine and unity in the face of Russian aggression of surpassing importance. Unfortunately, it’s not surprising.

At issue is the Northern Ireland Protocol, a part of the exit deal Britain struck with the EU in 2020 that controls trade to and from the province. No doubt, it was poorly designed and needs attention. But it can and should be mended through cooperation — certainly not by Johnson threatening to tear up an agreement he himself championed.