Statement by TUV leader Jim Allister:-
“On Thursday voters will respond to HMG’s hardline attempt to rollover unionism’s opposition to the Protocol – by imposing a punitive budget and insisting the Protocol is here to stay. If ever there was a time to stand firm, this is it. Any sign of weakness and the Union-dismantling Protocol will stay.
“Weakness comes in different forms, ranging from the obvious willingness to implement the Windsor Whitewash, as espoused by the UUP, and the hedging of no return to Stormont with flexible caveats, such as ‘not at this stage’.
“TUV is emphatically clear: there can be no return to Stormont while any vestige of foreign law and jurisdiction prevails and while GB is treated as a foreign/third country in terms our trade and economy. Nor, even with the Protocol removed, would TUV be going into Stormont to embrace Sinn Fein rule. Even if others’ desire for power – any power – causes them to be Sinn Féin’s bridesmaid, TUV will provide the relentless voice of challenge.
“So, unionists looking to speak with strength, not weakness, on Thursday will find the natural home for their No. 1 vote with TUV.”