Reform UK and the TUV have announced plans for an anti-Protocol rally on Friday 26th April in Dromore Orange Hall which will include speakers from across the UK.
Former cabinet minister and Brexit Party MEP Ann Widdecombe will be joined by Reform UK deputy leader Ben Habib, Baroness Kate Hoey and TUV leader Jim Allister.
Commenting ahead of the event Miss Widdecombe said:
“One of the reasons why I joined Reform was to save the Union but at that time I thought we would be working in conjunction with the DUP. Sadly, the DUP has ratted and effectively surrendered Northern Ireland to the EU. It is therefore crucial that Reform and the TUV work together to keep Northern Ireland in the United Kingdom.”
Ben Habib said:
“It was in Dromore where I first met Sir Jeffrey Donaldson and where he pledged to fight the Protocol tooth and nail. At that meeting I advocated closer relations between the TUV and DUP and following it I did everything I could to promote joint unionist action against the Protocol.
“It is extremely saddening that the DUP, including its entire executive, has since turned its back on Northern Ireland as a member of the UK.
“It therefore falls to Reform UK to stand shoulder to shoulder with the TUV and save the Union.
“I look forward to being in Dromore again, this time surrounded by people on whom we can rely. Including the one and only Ann Widdecombe – we both joined Reform UK with Northern Ireland firmly in mind.”
Jim Allister added:
“Two years ago Dromore played host to a packed rally in this same venue which was addressed by Ben, Kate, Sir Jeffery Donaldson and UUP deputy leader Robbie Butler. Sadly since then the united front of Unionism in Northern Ireland against the pernicious Protocol has been broken by the tainted Donaldson Deal. I am delighted, however, that as this rally illustrates, conviction Unionists from across the UK are coming together to fight for full equal citizenship for the people of Northern Ireland.
“With our link up with Reform UK, we have built an alliance with major players in national politics who care about the sovereignty of our nation and are pledged to continue the battle to remove the Sea Border.
“I look forward to sharing the stage with Ann, Ben and Kate and explaining both the dangers of meekly accepting the Protocol, the necessity of continuing the fight against it and our plans to build a truly UK wide political movement which will stand up for all parts of our nation.”