Statement by TUV leader Jim Allister MP:
“I was very happy to welcome the Thales missile factory deal which will see an investment of £1.6bn in a Northern Ireland company when responding to a statement on Ukraine by the Prime Minister in the Commons earlier today.
“By way of contrast, Michelle O’Neill claims to be “incredulous” that the UK should be providing weapons to a country under attack from Putin.
“O’Neill feigns concern for money which she alleges should be spent on public services while defending an IRA campaign which cost the health service alone countless millions.
“With the approach of the new administration in Washington increasingly moving towards disengagement in Europe, it is more important than ever that Europe steps up to the plate when it comes to spending on defence – something it frankly hasn’t done in many decades.
“I am proud to be part of a nation which makes a difference on the world stage – in stark contrast to the Irish Republic which continues to shirk their responsibilities and free load on other nations when it comes to both air and naval defence.”