UUP MLA Steve Aiken said:
“The speech today from the EU Vice President at Queen’s is little different from the rhetoric that has been used by the EU on the Protocol from the outset. To double down on saying “the protocol is not the problem” while calling for rhetoric to be dialled down is not only contradictory but suggests that Mr Šefčovič is still not listening.
“We do have the opportunity to take the heat out of the situation. This requires recognition that the Protocol isn’t working. The UUP has presented practical solutions to the problems we face. These proposals, alongside the UK Government Command Paper should form the basis of negotiation.”