Statement by TUV leader Jim Allister:-
“I have long said that the EU’s punitive intent was to break up the U.K. The Backstop was the vehicle, with only fools every thinking it would be temporary and knaves its champions. It’s key purpose was to keep N.I. in the EU Customs Union and single market for ever.
“Now that Mrs Merkel has confirmed the EU’s price for a deal is the conquest of Northern Ireland, the only honourable and viable course for the United Kingdom is to leave without a deal and to do so as one nation.
“As I warned, feeding the crocodile of the EU with titbits of N.I. staying in the single market for goods, only emboldened their aggression and belief that they could have it all. Never has ‘No Surrender’ been more apt in the EU context. Let’s get on with getting out. No ifs, no buts.”