PRESS RELEASE : Strengthening the Union must include dealing with Protocol: Sir Jeffrey Donaldson [December 2022

The press release issued by the DUP on 5 December 2022.

DUP Leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has said the Labour Party plans to strengthen the Union must include dealing with the Northern Ireland Protocol.

Sir Jeffrey said, “Any serious discussion on the future of the Union, cannot ignore the Northern Ireland Protocol and its impact on both the constitutional status of Northern Ireland and the operation of devolution. Whilst a legal requirement for Westminster to work with the devolved administrations is welcome, it is meaningless in Northern Ireland unless the basis for devolution to function at all is restored.

The Labour Party could make a significant and positive contribution to this debate by making clear that the Northern Ireland Protocol must be replaced with arrangements that can secure unionist and nationalist support. Such progress can not only repair the damage inflicted on Northern Ireland’s place within the United Kingdom, but restore the devolved institutions.”