Statement by TUV leader Jim Allister:-
“Today’s regulations are a wholly Jesuitical attempt to provide a figleaf to the DUP to pretend they are not implementing the Protocol by giving Whitehall ministers the oversight and directional powers.
“But, it also contains draconian moves to diminish any democratic oversight or scrutiny by the Assembly through aborting the powers in S 44 of the 1998 Act empowering Stormont committees to demand papers and the attendance of ministers. Moreover, by also disapplying S11 of the Functioning of Government (MP) NI Act, it pulls the teeth of the supposed Windsor Framework Scrutiny committee by denying it the power to ask for information.
“This latest manifestation of the Donaldson Deal is not only to confirm and ensure implementation of every word of the Protocol but to enable it to be enforced behind the backs of the people and their elected Stormont representatives. Well done Jeffrey! So much for his boast of enhancing democratic scrutiny!”