evidence: The protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland was agreed as part of the UK–EU Withdrawal Agreement that formally took the UK out of the EU. Its purpose was to prevent a hard border on the island of Ireland, by requiring Northern Ireland (NI) to align with EU law in some areas, and allowing it to maintain frictionless access to the EU. However, it also meant that goods entering NI from Great Britain (GB) need to prove they comply with EU law in these areas – creating the need for checks and paperwork. [...] Original protocol: The application of EU law in NI is subject to EU oversight. The commission can take action against the UK government for non-compliance, as if it were a member state, including taking it to the European Court of Justice. [...] Original protocol: Under the terms of the protocol over 300 EU directives and regulations will continue to apply in NI and as the EU institute changes to these, NI will be required to ‘keep pace’ and make corresponding changes to its statute book. Discussions around the protocol take place through the Joint Committee, specialised Committee and the JCWG – the UK government can decide to include NI representatives in its delegation.