Responding to a poll published in today’s Belfast Telegraph showing that over three quarters of Unionists believe there should be no return to the Stormont Executive until the Protocol is dealt with TUV Lagan Valley spokeswoman Lorna Smyth said:
“Today’s poll published in the Belfast Telegraph tells you what any Unionist in touch with the feelings of the grassroots already knows. There can be no backsliding in political opposition to the Sea Border. Any Unionist party which weakens on this issue will pay a heavy price.
“It is clear that in spite of what self-styled commentators who are platformed by the broadcast media might try to tell us ordinary Unionists recognise the threat posed to Northern Ireland by the Protocol. It is equally clear that they back the position that TUV has articulated for over a year now – Westminster and Brussels must have it made clear to them that they have to choose between the Protocol and Stormont. They cannot have both. This position is now the mainstream of Unionist political thought and no amount of spinning will obscure that reality.
“Of course there are other big issues facing people in their day to day lives. As a single mother I know all about them. But Unionists recognise that our constitutional position is under threat and as long as that remains the case there is no hope of addressing other matters satisfactorily. Indeed, because it has created a barrier between Northern Ireland and Great Britain the Protocol is a major contributory factor to the cost of living in this part of the U.K.”.