Statement by TUV Upper Bann spokesperson Darrin Foster:
“I welcome unambiguous confirmation from the Chancellor today that the payment from Westminster to assist with energy costs does not require a Stormont executive. This, of course, was known all along, given that the money was always going to be coming from HM Treasury. It does, however, cut the feet out from under those both in politics and the media who have sought to use this issue to beat Unionists for daring to refuse to implement the Protocol – something which a restoration of Stormont at present would inevitably involve.
“The Chancellor has busted the myth that devolution is necessary in order for this scheme to progress and in truth many Unionists are questioning the point of having devolution at all.”