Speaking at the annual dinner of Newry & Armagh TUV on Saturday evening, Jim Allister reached out to all who continue to stand firm against the Protocol, urging strength and structure in the common cause of necessary opposition to the Protocol and any unionist implementation of it through Stormont.
In the course of his remarks Jim Allister said:-
“Unionism is facing a defining moment. A moment of decision that will set Northern Ireland’s course for years to come. Either NI will embark on transition out of the UK by unionists implementing the template designed for that purpose, the Protocol, or unionism will hold the line and refuse to put its hand to its own destruction.
“This is a decision so momentous as to rise above questions of party loyalty.
“Unionists of different party affiliations and none have until now stood resolute and firm, be they those in the DUP who see the issues clearly and have been doing the right thing, or grassroots loyalists who have rallied to the cause – many doing more than established politicians – or, we in TUV who have sought to steer a firm line throughout calamitous Protocol times.
“What has united us is our realisation and conviction that an Irish Sea border, whatever you call its partitioning parts – established because under EU law GB is deemed a foreign country and NI as EU territory – along with the resulting suspension of Art 6 of the Act(s) of Union, because EU law now governs our goods economy and trade, are all Union dismantling and incompatible with our cherished position as a full part of the UK.
“Thus, unitedly, we see the folly of returning to a Stormont where by law unionist ministers would have to implement the Protocol and its all-Ireland design. At that point unionist ministers would become Protocol implementers, because it is clear none of the legal parameters or reach of the Protocol have changed within recent negotiations.
“If the worst happens and the DUP gives up the fight, then all who see the issues need to stand together.
“I know how difficult and uncomfortable it is to withstand what you know is wrong within a party to which you have had longterm loyalty. It isn’t easy. But when it’s right, it must be done!
“I don’t know the shape or confines of what will evolve to accommodate all determined to continue to stand, but I know none should feel they will be without a political home to make that stand.”