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15/10/2021
Latest EU Discussions 'Useful And Honest'
DUP Leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has described his latest meetng with EU Commission Vice President Maros Sefcovic as "useful and honest".
Following the virtual discussion, Sir Jeffrey said: "We had a useful and honest discussion. I welcomed the change of heart in Brussels with the decision to renegotiate. For so long we were told the Protocol could not be reopened but the persistent pressing of our case has paid dividends.
"I also explained why the proposals fall short of what is needed. These negotiations must not be a missed opportunity. There is a window to get this right. To get a deal which can allow Northern Ireland to, once again, get moving forward.
"Short-term fixes will not solve the problems that have beset the United Kingdom internal market. Removing some checks today does not solve the divergence problems of tomorrow. State Aid and VAT arrangements if left unaltered will be detrimental to Northern Ireland's long-term prospects.
"We need a sustainable solution which removes the Irish Sea border and restores our place within the United Kingdom."
Following the virtual discussion, Sir Jeffrey said: "We had a useful and honest discussion. I welcomed the change of heart in Brussels with the decision to renegotiate. For so long we were told the Protocol could not be reopened but the persistent pressing of our case has paid dividends.
"I also explained why the proposals fall short of what is needed. These negotiations must not be a missed opportunity. There is a window to get this right. To get a deal which can allow Northern Ireland to, once again, get moving forward.
"Short-term fixes will not solve the problems that have beset the United Kingdom internal market. Removing some checks today does not solve the divergence problems of tomorrow. State Aid and VAT arrangements if left unaltered will be detrimental to Northern Ireland's long-term prospects.
"We need a sustainable solution which removes the Irish Sea border and restores our place within the United Kingdom."
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Rain clearing away east by early evening with some clear spells but a few showers likely to affect the North coast and other areas towards dawn, remaining breezy and mild overnight. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
