The aim is to prevent the creation of a trade border on the island of Ireland, whether or not the two parties agree on an agreement on a future relationship. The protocol also states that after four years, Northern Irish politicians must be asked to give their consent to the continuation of the new agreements. That would require a vote in the House. If there is a positive vote, then the question would come back to a decision after another four or eight years, if the vote includes a sufficient number of unionist and nationalist communities. If the vote is against the agreements, there will be a two-year reflection period during which an EU/UK committee will examine how to proceed, respect the Belfast agreement and make recommendations. .