Statement by TUV deputy leader Court Councillor Ron McDowell:
“Today’s article by Dame Priti Patel published by Unionist Voice is yet more evidence that talk of an imminent deal on Stormont’s return makes no sense from a Unionist perspective. As Dame Patel observes “both the UK Government and the EU have so far shown little interest in reopening the Windsor Framework” and the Tory commitment to restore Northern Ireland’s place inside the UK internal market remains unfulfilled.
“Tellingly, she reminds us that the absence of Stormont means that there remains political pressure to resolve these issues.
“Why, therefore, would Unionism surrender its only card? Suggestions from Peter Robinson and others that the Assembly offers chances to achieve change on the Protocol is nonsense.
“This intervention coming after Suella Braverman’s letter which highlighted the Prime Minister’s failure to deliver the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill as a major shortcoming of his government is another reminder that Unionism shouldn’t even be contemplating returning to a Sinn Fein dominated Stormont.”