Menu
03/09/2021
Medicine Fiasco 'Cannot Be Tolerated'
The Health Minister's warnings over medicine shortages at the end of the Protocol grace period highlight the blind eye turned by some local parties to the health threats posed by the Northern Ireland Protocol, Upper Bann MLA Jonathan Buckley has said.
Mr Buckley said: "The threats to our supply of medicines and medical devices were very clear in May when I led the Assembly debate. The fact that 98% of these products come to Northern Ireland from Great Britain highlights the very real and serious impact the Protocol will have on supply when the grace period ends. It covers everything from penicillin to vaccines and will affect every single citizen here. It is immoral, unjustifiable and cannot be tolerated.
"The Health Minister clearly recognised the seriousness of this issue then as he still does today. However that was not shared by other parties across the NI Assembly. Indeed, their demand for 'rigorous implementation' of the Protocol was not retreated from even in the face of medicine shortages.
"A border down the Irish Sea is not just some theoretical or constitutional debate. The imposition of the Protocol impacts and harms every single person in Northern Ireland. It should be opposed by everyone. There can be no spurious 'best of both worlds' arguments to harming the health of our citizens.
"Those who opposed this motion and turned their heads from the reality of the Northern Ireland Protocol need to explain why they have ignored this threat. The wider message however is that tinkering at the edges of the Protocol will not work, the Irish Sea border must be removed for these threats to be fully lifted from Northern Ireland."
Mr Buckley said: "The threats to our supply of medicines and medical devices were very clear in May when I led the Assembly debate. The fact that 98% of these products come to Northern Ireland from Great Britain highlights the very real and serious impact the Protocol will have on supply when the grace period ends. It covers everything from penicillin to vaccines and will affect every single citizen here. It is immoral, unjustifiable and cannot be tolerated.
"The Health Minister clearly recognised the seriousness of this issue then as he still does today. However that was not shared by other parties across the NI Assembly. Indeed, their demand for 'rigorous implementation' of the Protocol was not retreated from even in the face of medicine shortages.
"A border down the Irish Sea is not just some theoretical or constitutional debate. The imposition of the Protocol impacts and harms every single person in Northern Ireland. It should be opposed by everyone. There can be no spurious 'best of both worlds' arguments to harming the health of our citizens.
"Those who opposed this motion and turned their heads from the reality of the Northern Ireland Protocol need to explain why they have ignored this threat. The wider message however is that tinkering at the edges of the Protocol will not work, the Irish Sea border must be removed for these threats to be fully lifted from Northern Ireland."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 February 2022
Resolving Protocol Essential For Peace And Stability
The Protocol continues to divide opinion in Northern Ireland, but the majority agree that solving it is essential for peace and stability, according to a report from Queen's University Belfast (QUB).
Resolving Protocol Essential For Peace And Stability
The Protocol continues to divide opinion in Northern Ireland, but the majority agree that solving it is essential for peace and stability, according to a report from Queen's University Belfast (QUB).
26 July 2021
Economy Minister Urged To Take Advantage Of Special Economic Circumstances
The Economy Minister must act to take advantage of the special economic circumstances the protocol affords businesses in the north.
Economy Minister Urged To Take Advantage Of Special Economic Circumstances
The Economy Minister must act to take advantage of the special economic circumstances the protocol affords businesses in the north.
15 July 2021
DUP Leader Sets Out 'Seven Tests' On NI Protocol
Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP has set out Seven Tests for any new arrangements the Government would announce regarding the Northern Ireland Protocol. The DUP Leader said that these tests are "grounded not in a unionist wish list, but in promises that have already been made in one form or another, to the people of Northern Ireland".
DUP Leader Sets Out 'Seven Tests' On NI Protocol
Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP has set out Seven Tests for any new arrangements the Government would announce regarding the Northern Ireland Protocol. The DUP Leader said that these tests are "grounded not in a unionist wish list, but in promises that have already been made in one form or another, to the people of Northern Ireland".
10 June 2022
Protocol Has 'Failed Economically And Politically' – Donaldson
The Protocol has 'failed economically and politically', Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has told the House of Lords Northern Ireland Protocol Sub-Committee.
Protocol Has 'Failed Economically And Politically' – Donaldson
The Protocol has 'failed economically and politically', Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has told the House of Lords Northern Ireland Protocol Sub-Committee.
17 November 2022
Medicine Must Be Removed From Protocol – UUP
Medicines must be removed from the Northern Ireland Protocol, UUP Leader Doug Beattie has said. Commenting on the latest problems highlighted by the inclusion of medicines in the Protocol, Mr Beattie said: "Medicines should never have been included in the Protocol in the first place and the EU's proposals were not a long-term solution.
Medicine Must Be Removed From Protocol – UUP
Medicines must be removed from the Northern Ireland Protocol, UUP Leader Doug Beattie has said. Commenting on the latest problems highlighted by the inclusion of medicines in the Protocol, Mr Beattie said: "Medicines should never have been included in the Protocol in the first place and the EU's proposals were not a long-term solution.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
