Statement by TUV leader Jim Allister:
“The statement following today’s meeting between the Foreign Secretary and EU Commission vice-president Sefcovic represents nothing of substance. Once again, we have had words when what is required is action. Action to restoring UK sovereignty and making sure that Northern Ireland is no longer governed by foreign laws which we do not make and cannot change.
“Every day the Protocol continues to operate dilutes our position within the United Kingdom. How could it be otherwise when it has been found to conflict with Article Six of the Acts of Union which guarantees freedom of trade between Northern Ireland and other parts of the UK?
“This is intolerable. That it should be implemented by a Unionist Minister is nothing short of shameful.
“We have had enough talk. The time for action was long ago. If the UK Government will not take that action – and nothing in today’s statement suggests they will – then I repeat the call I have been making for more than a year now that the Agriculture Minister should pull the staff from the Poots’ Posts.”