Menu
06/10/2021
DUP Welcomes 'Constructive' Meeting On NI Protocol
DUP Leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has described a meeting with Brexit Secretary Lord Frost and the EU Ambassador to the UK Joao Vale de Almeida on the Northern Ireland Protocol as "constructive ".
Speaking after the meeting Sir Jeffrey said: "The Government recognise the conditions exist for Article 16 to be triggered. The Northern Ireland Protocol is damaging Northern Ireland economically and constitutionally. It is damaging the Belfast Agreement - the same deal the European Union say they want to protect. The Protocol is putting future progress in Northern Ireland in jeopardy.
"Whilst timelines are progress, this is a time for action as every day is causing further damage politically and economically.
"There is a growing acceptance that the Protocol has failed and change is required. Even some parties who were recently demanding 'rigorous implementation' of the Protocol have accepted it is not sustainable. Whilst there have been signs of movement on the part of the EU, now is the time for action and real progress.
"Further delay only harms the people of Northern Ireland who are faced with reduced choice on the shelves and higher prices at the till. Whilst we recognise the need for arrangements that can protect the EU Single Market, our priority is to secure the integrity of the U.K. internal market. This must be recognised and protected in any new arrangements.
"If the European Union is serious about protecting the Belfast Agreement then they must accept that the Irish Sea border must go."
Speaking after the meeting Sir Jeffrey said: "The Government recognise the conditions exist for Article 16 to be triggered. The Northern Ireland Protocol is damaging Northern Ireland economically and constitutionally. It is damaging the Belfast Agreement - the same deal the European Union say they want to protect. The Protocol is putting future progress in Northern Ireland in jeopardy.
"Whilst timelines are progress, this is a time for action as every day is causing further damage politically and economically.
"There is a growing acceptance that the Protocol has failed and change is required. Even some parties who were recently demanding 'rigorous implementation' of the Protocol have accepted it is not sustainable. Whilst there have been signs of movement on the part of the EU, now is the time for action and real progress.
"Further delay only harms the people of Northern Ireland who are faced with reduced choice on the shelves and higher prices at the till. Whilst we recognise the need for arrangements that can protect the EU Single Market, our priority is to secure the integrity of the U.K. internal market. This must be recognised and protected in any new arrangements.
"If the European Union is serious about protecting the Belfast Agreement then they must accept that the Irish Sea border must go."
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).
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".
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.
16 May 2022
UK Govt 'Will Do Its Part' To Help Restore Stormont
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is in Belfast today, Monday 16 May, for emergency talks in an effort to break the ongoing deadlock at Stormont in the hopes of facilitating the formation of a new Executive.
UK Govt 'Will Do Its Part' To Help Restore Stormont
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is in Belfast today, Monday 16 May, for emergency talks in an effort to break the ongoing deadlock at Stormont in the hopes of facilitating the formation of a new Executive.
11 January 2022
Govt Urged To Outline Delivery Of Command Paper
The DUP has called on the government to set out a plan of how they intend to deliver imminently on their Command Paper. Party Leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson made the call after meeting with the Foreign Secretary Liz Truss ahead of the latest round of talks between the EU and UK Government.
Govt Urged To Outline Delivery Of Command Paper
The DUP has called on the government to set out a plan of how they intend to deliver imminently on their Command Paper. Party Leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson made the call after meeting with the Foreign Secretary Liz Truss ahead of the latest round of talks between the EU and UK Government.
-
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.
