A TUV delegation of party leader Jim Allister MP, deputy leader Councillor Ron McDowell and North Antrim MLA Timothy Gaston today met the Secretary of State.
Speaking after the meeting Jim Allister said:
“TUV left the Secretary of State in no doubt about the continuing opposing of Unionists to Northern Ireland being condominium, ruled in part by UK laws and in part by EU laws we do not make and cannot change. We put it to Mr Benn that his constituents would not accept a situation where in 300 areas of law no one they vote for has any say. We saw no evidence that the Government will take either the practical or the constitutional ramifications of the Protocol seriously. It is clear that the DUP in meekly returning to Stormont as Protocol implementors have seriously weakened the Unionist position and removed vital pressure.
“We also pressed him not to commit any UK Government money to the Casement project given that funding from that source has not been available for other sports and highlighted the anger of victims at the double standards evident when it comes to the Pat Finucane case.
“TUV were encouraged about what he had to say about the future of Harland and Wolff but we were less clear on what the situation in relation to the Causeway Coast and Glens city deal is with Mr Benn advising that that would be a decision for the Chancellor and Chief Secretary to Treasury.”