Ulster Unionist Leader, Robin Swann MLA, has stated that the new proposals from the UK Government would see Northern Ireland left in a perpetual cycle of uncertainty.

Robin Swann MLA said:

“The Prime Minister and the DUP are fooling no-one with these proposals. This new protocol should be deeply concerning for all those who have the long term economic and constitutional welfare of Northern Ireland and its people at heart.

“Northern Ireland would be locked into continual political debates about Brexit and alignment with the rest of the UK or EU. They would set the theme of every Assembly and Westminster election. It plunges Northern Ireland into a referendum in the Assembly Chamber every four years with high stakes consequences for our people. It will keep our businesses and agri-food sector in a perpetual cycle of uncertainty.

“These proposals haven`t been thought through and would see DUP statements that Northern Ireland would leave the EU on the same terms as the rest of the United Kingdom being flipped on their heads.

“Northern Ireland would become a hybrid part of the UK with a border up the Irish Sea.

“This represents a road to Damascus conversion by the DUP and a very sharp u-turn on statements they made to the Northern Ireland public. The Prime Minister and the DUP were full of big talk. These proposals don`t offer them much of a fig leaf.”

ENDS

DUP quotes

The Guardian 30 November 2017

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/nov/30/mp-sammy-wilson-warns-brexit-talks-endanger-tory-dup-deal-northern-ireland

Sammy Wilson - “They have to recognise that if this is about treating Northern Ireland different, or leaving us half in the EU, dragging along regulations which change in Dublin, it’s not on.”

DUP website 30 November 2017

http://www.mydup.com/news/article/foster-we-will-not-countenance-new-border-in-the-irish-sea

Arlene Foster - We are in constant contact on these issues with the Government and during our discussions, we reiterated that United Kingdom–Republic of Ireland arrangements may be necessary as we exit the EU but there can be no arrangements agreed that compromise the integrity of the UK single market and place barriers, real or perceived, to the free movement of goods, services and capital between Northern Ireland and the rest of the United Kingdom. 

DUP website 4 December 2017

http://www.mydup.com/news/article/foster-we-will-not-accept-any-form-of-regulatory-divergence

Arlene Foster - We have been very clear. Northern Ireland must leave the EU on the same terms as the rest of the United Kingdom. We will not accept any form of regulatory divergence which separates Northern Ireland economically or politically from the rest of the United Kingdom. The economic and constitutional integrity of the United Kingdom will not be compromised in any way.