Ulster Unionist Peer, Lord Empey has said he fears the DUP are falling into the same trap that they did in December 2017 over the backstop.
Lord Empey said:
“I would take no comfort from DUP statements that the Prime Minister continues to reject a Northern Ireland only backstop. Language in the last number of days and influences at Number 10 continue to suggest otherwise.
“I believe that Arlene Foster was asleep at the wheel in December 2017, when the backstop was first unveiled. She said on 8th December 2017 that 'Northern Ireland will not be separated constitutionally, politically, economically or regulatory from the rest of the United Kingdom...'.
“Quite clearly the backstop would make her claims nonsense. We would have to treat goods coming from Scotland, Wales and England as if they came from a third country!
“I fear that she is falling into the same trap again. While it will be wrapped up in soothing language, I believe Downing Street would draw up a scheme that will have the same effect as the backstop, but allow Great Britain to get off the hook and out of the EU. Regrettably that seems to be all that matters to Boris's advisers and backers.”