Ulster Unionist Leader Robin Swann MLA said:
“Following the Prime Minister`s statement it is absolutely crucial that we have had time to analyse all the documentation in relation to the draft withdrawal agreement and it will be on that basis that the Ulster Unionist Party will make its decisions rather than on leaks and presumptions. The Prime Minister has stated that the draft withdrawal agreement, as accepted by the Cabinet, protects the Union and is in the best interests of the entire United Kingdom, but the proof will be when we have had time to study all the documentation.
“If the words in the draft withdrawal agreement confirm the speculation, this has been a monumental error of judgement on behalf of the DUP which will have a devastating long-term impact. People were told to put their trust in the DUP. The DUP will owe an apology and an explanation to the people who voted for them on the basis of ‘More votes. More seats. More influence. More for Northern Ireland.’ Well what exactly were they doing with their influence?
“A stark example is that Northern Ireland will remain aligned to a limited set of rules which includes VAT and excise in respect of goods, and state aid rules, so rather than the prospect of being the best of both worlds this would restrict any potential opportunity.”