Menu
22/09/2021
DUP Leader Writes To US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi
DUP Leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP has written to US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi stating that it is not possible to support both the Belfast Agreement and the Northern Ireland Protocol.
Sir Jeffrey drafted the letter in response to Speaker Pelosi telling journalists, "If there is destruction of the Good Friday accords, they [are] very unlikely to have a UK-U.S. bilateral".
Along with the letter the DUP leader enclosed a copy of the Belfast Agreement.
In the letter, Mr Donaldson states: "In advance of the United Kingdom Prime Minister's visit to the United States you were quoted as saying "if there is destruction of the Good Friday accords ..." I attach a copy of said document and write to inform you that the Northern Ireland Protocol is the altar upon which the Belfast Agreement is being sacrificed.
"The political, economic and constitutional difficulties created by the Protocol threaten prosperity in Northern Ireland and the quality of our status within the United Kingdom."
Mr Donaldson said that the "very delicate constitutional balance and guarantee which has underpinned political progress in Northern Ireland has been fundamentally undermined by the creation of a border in the Irish" and that the "so-called consent principle has been reduced to the final transfer of sovereignty and provides no protection against any creeping erosion of Northern Ireland's status as part of the United Kingdom".
He states that this is not the basis on which the Belfast Agreement was made, that "not a single elected unionist in Northern Ireland supports the Protocol yet your Office still champions it".
He added that: "One either supports the principles of the Belfast Agreement or one supports the NI Protocol but it is not possible to sustain support for both."
Mr Donaldson concluded: "The actions of the EU to date are endangering the very Agreement that you and others purport to defend. This is not good for the UK, the EU or the US but most importantly it is taking Northern Ireland backwards.
"I trust this short letter will cause you to reflect on the damage the Protocol is causing to Northern Ireland and recognise that the view of unionism can be no less worthy than the view of those wishing to remove Northern Ireland from the United Kingdom. Unionist support for the Belfast Agreement is central to its continuing viability every bit as much as is the case for Nationalist support.
"History demonstrates that there must be a balance and an equilibrium in arrangements. When one side is out of balance the situation cannot be sustained. When not a single elected unionist supports the Protocol it is clear that balance has been lost."
Sir Jeffrey drafted the letter in response to Speaker Pelosi telling journalists, "If there is destruction of the Good Friday accords, they [are] very unlikely to have a UK-U.S. bilateral".
Along with the letter the DUP leader enclosed a copy of the Belfast Agreement.
In the letter, Mr Donaldson states: "In advance of the United Kingdom Prime Minister's visit to the United States you were quoted as saying "if there is destruction of the Good Friday accords ..." I attach a copy of said document and write to inform you that the Northern Ireland Protocol is the altar upon which the Belfast Agreement is being sacrificed.
"The political, economic and constitutional difficulties created by the Protocol threaten prosperity in Northern Ireland and the quality of our status within the United Kingdom."
Mr Donaldson said that the "very delicate constitutional balance and guarantee which has underpinned political progress in Northern Ireland has been fundamentally undermined by the creation of a border in the Irish" and that the "so-called consent principle has been reduced to the final transfer of sovereignty and provides no protection against any creeping erosion of Northern Ireland's status as part of the United Kingdom".
He states that this is not the basis on which the Belfast Agreement was made, that "not a single elected unionist in Northern Ireland supports the Protocol yet your Office still champions it".
He added that: "One either supports the principles of the Belfast Agreement or one supports the NI Protocol but it is not possible to sustain support for both."
Mr Donaldson concluded: "The actions of the EU to date are endangering the very Agreement that you and others purport to defend. This is not good for the UK, the EU or the US but most importantly it is taking Northern Ireland backwards.
"I trust this short letter will cause you to reflect on the damage the Protocol is causing to Northern Ireland and recognise that the view of unionism can be no less worthy than the view of those wishing to remove Northern Ireland from the United Kingdom. Unionist support for the Belfast Agreement is central to its continuing viability every bit as much as is the case for Nationalist support.
"History demonstrates that there must be a balance and an equilibrium in arrangements. When one side is out of balance the situation cannot be sustained. When not a single elected unionist supports the Protocol it is clear that balance has been lost."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
11 August 2022
UUP Welcomes Commitment To Energy Bill Support Scheme
The Ulster Unionist Party has welcomed a renewed commitment from the Chancellor of the Exchequer that equivalent support under the energy bills support scheme will be delivered to households in Northern Ireland East Belfast MLA and Communities Spokesperson, Andy Allen, said: "Since the energy bills support scheme was announced by the then Chancello
UUP Welcomes Commitment To Energy Bill Support Scheme
The Ulster Unionist Party has welcomed a renewed commitment from the Chancellor of the Exchequer that equivalent support under the energy bills support scheme will be delivered to households in Northern Ireland East Belfast MLA and Communities Spokesperson, Andy Allen, said: "Since the energy bills support scheme was announced by the then Chancello
29 May 2012
Access To Republic Of Ireland Digital TV Channels Confirmed For Northern Ireland
TV viewers in Northern Ireland will be able to watch TG4 and RTÉ One and Two on Freeview following digital TV switchover, the UK Government confirmed today.
Access To Republic Of Ireland Digital TV Channels Confirmed For Northern Ireland
TV viewers in Northern Ireland will be able to watch TG4 and RTÉ One and Two on Freeview following digital TV switchover, the UK Government confirmed today.
02 November 2022
Julian Simmons Launches Lidl's Festive Trolley Dash
Lidl Northern Ireland has teamed up with renowned broadcaster Julian Simmons for the return of its major festive fundraiser Trolley Dash, in aid of charity partner NSPCC Northern Ireland.
Julian Simmons Launches Lidl's Festive Trolley Dash
Lidl Northern Ireland has teamed up with renowned broadcaster Julian Simmons for the return of its major festive fundraiser Trolley Dash, in aid of charity partner NSPCC Northern Ireland.
13 June 2005
The 2005 Birthday Honours List for Northern Ireland
The full list of recipients of honours in the 2005 Birthday Honours list for Northern Ireland is as follows: Knighthood: Mr Hugh Orde OBE, Chief Constable, Police Service of Northern Ireland - for services to Northern Ireland. CBE: Mr Robert David Stewart Campbell, Belfast - For Political and public service.
The 2005 Birthday Honours List for Northern Ireland
The full list of recipients of honours in the 2005 Birthday Honours list for Northern Ireland is as follows: Knighthood: Mr Hugh Orde OBE, Chief Constable, Police Service of Northern Ireland - for services to Northern Ireland. CBE: Mr Robert David Stewart Campbell, Belfast - For Political and public service.
09 December 2008
Northern Ireland Education Authority Bill Wins Support
The establishment of the Education and Skills Authority (ESA) has moved a step closer with the second stage of the Education Bill receiving Assembly support.
Northern Ireland Education Authority Bill Wins Support
The establishment of the Education and Skills Authority (ESA) has moved a step closer with the second stage of the Education Bill receiving Assembly support.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.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.
