Menu
27/08/2021
'Time For Brussels To Change Its Tune' - Sir Jeffrey Donaldson
The DUP leader, Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, has said that it is "time for Brussels to change its tune", as he travels to Dublin today for a series of discussions including a meeting with the Republic of Ireland's Taoiseach Micheál Martin.
The visit is part of a series of engagements with key stakeholders about "the deep damage being caused to progress in Northern Ireland by the Protocol".
Speaking ahead of the meetings, Sir Jeffrey said: "The economic border in the Irish Sea violates the Act of Union and has damaged political, economic and cultural stability within Northern Ireland. It cannot be sustained.
"Rather than protecting the 1998 Belfast Agreement and its successors, the Protocol breaches those Agreements.
"Whilst the Prime Minister and Lord Frost have recognised the flaws of the Protocol, tangible progress has been slower. The economic disruption of the UK Single Market continues. We continue to make our case in London.
"Dublin also has a key role to play. It was the then Taoiseach Leo Varadkar who insisted on such arrangements with his fellow EU leaders. I will be asking the Taoiseach to recognise the flaws of the Protocol and join with us in arguing in the corridors of power for change.
"It is time for Brussels to change its tune. It either changes course or it will have to take responsibility for Northern Ireland drifting backwards.
"I am in the business of moving Northern Ireland forward and building a shared and united community, but the Protocol currently stands in the way of progress."
The visit is part of a series of engagements with key stakeholders about "the deep damage being caused to progress in Northern Ireland by the Protocol".
Speaking ahead of the meetings, Sir Jeffrey said: "The economic border in the Irish Sea violates the Act of Union and has damaged political, economic and cultural stability within Northern Ireland. It cannot be sustained.
"Rather than protecting the 1998 Belfast Agreement and its successors, the Protocol breaches those Agreements.
"Whilst the Prime Minister and Lord Frost have recognised the flaws of the Protocol, tangible progress has been slower. The economic disruption of the UK Single Market continues. We continue to make our case in London.
"Dublin also has a key role to play. It was the then Taoiseach Leo Varadkar who insisted on such arrangements with his fellow EU leaders. I will be asking the Taoiseach to recognise the flaws of the Protocol and join with us in arguing in the corridors of power for change.
"It is time for Brussels to change its tune. It either changes course or it will have to take responsibility for Northern Ireland drifting backwards.
"I am in the business of moving Northern Ireland forward and building a shared and united community, but the Protocol currently stands in the way of progress."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
04 January 2023
DUP Welcomes Taoiseach Admission Of Mistakes
DUP Leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP has welcomed the admission from Taoiseach Leo Varadkar that mistakes were made with the Northern Ireland Protocol. Calling for 'change of attitude', Sir Jeffrey said: "The Protocol was not, is not and will not be supported by unionists.
DUP Welcomes Taoiseach Admission Of Mistakes
DUP Leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP has welcomed the admission from Taoiseach Leo Varadkar that mistakes were made with the Northern Ireland Protocol. Calling for 'change of attitude', Sir Jeffrey said: "The Protocol was not, is not and will not be supported by unionists.
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).
28 June 2021
Executive Approve Draft Climate Change Bill
The Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Edwin Poots, has welcomed Executive approval of his draft Climate Change Bill.
Executive Approve Draft Climate Change Bill
The Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Edwin Poots, has welcomed Executive approval of his draft Climate Change Bill.
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.
20 May 2022
DUP Leader To Meet With Taoiseach Micheál Martin
DUP Leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has said that the "time for denial is over" ahead of a meeting in Belfast today, Friday 20 May, with Taoiseach Micheál Martin. Speaking ahead of the meeting Sir Jeffrey said: "Powersharing only works with the consent of Unionists and Nationalists.
DUP Leader To Meet With Taoiseach Micheál Martin
DUP Leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has said that the "time for denial is over" ahead of a meeting in Belfast today, Friday 20 May, with Taoiseach Micheál Martin. Speaking ahead of the meeting Sir Jeffrey said: "Powersharing only works with the consent of Unionists and Nationalists.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Largely dry with clear spells at first, a few showers in the north and west. Becoming cloudier with rain spreading east through the early hours. Becoming windy, westerly gales developing along the north coast. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
