Ulster Unionist Party Leader, Steve Aiken OBE MLA, has stated that the views of unionists who have genuine concerns about the impact of the Protocol should not be sidelined and dismissed by the EU.

Mr Aiken said:

“Ursula Von der Leyen`s understated characterisation of the EU`s decision to trigger Article 16 on 29th January as mistakes being made, demonstrates an organisation that is completely out of touch with reality. It`s remarkable that Ursula Von der Leyen was able to apologise to MEPs, but failed to apologise to the people of Northern Ireland for the EU`s attempt to stop the transfer of vaccines.

“If the EU really does want to protect the Belfast Agreement then they should start listening to genuine concerns right across the community about the impact of the Protocol, including those of unionists. There wouldn`t have been a Belfast Agreement without the input and endorsement of unionists and if we are to move forward our views can no longer be sidelined or dismissed.

“We published our own proposals on Monday 1st February and we`d ask both the EU and UK Government to give them serious consideration when Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove and EU Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič meet on Thursday:

(i)    Extension of grace periods;

(ii)   UK Government Taskforce to deal with immediate problems;

(iii) Extensive awareness campaign amongst GB supply chain;

(iv) Government legislation for equality of provision across the UK;

(v)   All islands (UK and RoI) compliance body.

“Northern Ireland needs a way out of the Protocol mess and we need it urgently.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

UUP Practical Solutions Paper:

https://uup.org/assets/images/UUP%20NI%20Protocol%20solutions%20paper.pdf