Statement by TUV leader Jim Allister:-
“The EU by its founding treaties is supposed to respect the constitutional integrity of every member state. It’s draft Brexit Treaty seeks to subvert the integrity of the United Kingdom by demanding that Northern Ireland is hived off under EU jurisdiction into its customs union, which, of necessity then requires border checks between Northern Ireland and Great Britain.
“The audacity of Brussels in demanding a border down the Irish Sea is staggering for anyone unfamiliar with the Machiavellian processes of the EU. It is driven, of course, not just by their malevolent attempt to derail Brexit but by a desperation to avoid its Treaty obligations to protect and man EU customs borders – hence, the ploy to push its border back to Larne.
“It is right that the Prime Minister should have rejected such effrontery, though – as I warned at the time – what she foolishly agreed in December 2017 opened the door to this EU belief that it could annex Northern Ireland from being a province of the UK to being a province of the EU.
“It is becoming increasingly clear that the EU has no interest in negotiating a fair deal. Belligerent demands such as articulated today need not just to be faced down, but met with a demonstrable willingness to pick up the cheque book and walk away. Adopting a supplicant attitude will always be exploited by Brussels.
“As the fifth biggest economy in the world the UK can operate effectively on WTO rules. And, I have no doubt, the EU in time would sue for terms because the economic reality is that they need us more in terms of trade than we need them
“So, Mrs May, it is time to stand up to Brussels and show your metal.”