Statement by TUV leader Jim Allister:-
“In response to an Assembly Question from me the DAERA minister, who has responsibility for the Irish Sea border, has confirmed that the Donaldson Deal has wrought no change.
“I asked the minister to set out “the legislative and practical impact” of the Donaldson Deal.
“The minister’s response is clear that there has been no effect. This is yet another reality check on the hype and spin of Sir Jeffrey and his wild and inaccurate claim that the Sea border is gone. His DUP peers aren’t fooled and their devastating critique and rejection of the deal this week further denudes Sir Jeffrey’s claims of all credibility.
“When we see and know that border posts are continuing to be built at a cost of tens of millions, then it takes some gall to deny what is before us in plain sight.”
Mr Allister’s question and the Minister’s answer are as follows:
AQW 5639/22-27
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs whether there is a legislative or practical impact on his Department and its responsibilities as a result of the Command Paper, Safeguarding the Union.
Answer:
The Command Paper, Safeguarding the Union, has no immediate legal effect. Any queries arising from the Command Paper and the discharge of any commitments within it are a matter for the UK Government. As the Member will be aware, two pieces of legislation specific to the Command Paper, namely The Windsor Framework (Constitutional Status of Northern Ireland) Regulations 2024 and The Windsor Framework (UK Internal Market and Unfettered Access)
Regulations 2024, have been laid by the UK Government and are making their way through Parliament in the usual manner. Any further legislative amendments are a matter for the UK Government.