PRESS RELEASE : NI Protocol is the blockage to devolution – Robinson [October 2022]

The press release issued by the DUP on 19 October 2022.

DUP East Belfast MP Gavin Robinson has said whether there is another Assembly election or not, the problem of the Protocol remains and must be addressed before devolution is restored.

Mr Robinson said,

“An election just a few months ago told us that every unionist MLA is opposed to the Northern Ireland Protocol, yet the EU has failed to respond to this democratic statement. The EU negotiating mandate remains wedded to a Protocol which is unacceptable to unionists. This must change.

It is entirely the Secretary of State’s decision whether there is an election, but London and Brussels must accept, it is the Protocol which is the blockage to devolution being restored. The Protocol is driving up costs for consumers by a 25% tariff on steel used in building schools, roads, hospitals, and houses. It is driving up grocery costs by increasing haulage costs from GB to NI.

We remain absolutely committed to the restoration of devolution once the Protocol is replaced by arrangements which unionists can support.”