Mr Robinson used his remarks to emphasise the importance of the East-West relationship and challenged those non-unionists who failed to see the damage of the NI Protocol would cause to the delicate balance.
Mr Robinson said,
“While many of you may not share my unionist perspective, I believe we can all agree that fostering stability, peace, and mutual understanding should be our shared priority.
Delicate balance
The decision to foist the NI Protocol on Northern Ireland upset the three-stranded delicate balance. That is why I reminded the Secretary of State this morning that forcing the Protocol on us against our will and creating a barrier to trade within the United Kingdom, has been destabilising.
The Government must restore Northern Ireland’s place within the United Kingdom, including removing the application of EU law in our country and the internal Irish Sea Border it creates. We will continue to argue the case for the full primacy of the United Kingdom internal market and we will continue to reject the undermining of its integrity.
Security
In an increasingly volatile and unpredictable world, the United Kingdom’s robust military and security infrastructure provides essential protection for Northern Ireland. As part of the UK, we benefit from one of the most advanced defence systems in the world, including intelligence capabilities, cyber-security, and a professional armed forces capable of responding to global and local threats.
By contrast, the Republic of Ireland has limited defence capabilities, with no significant air or naval defence systems. In an era of heightened global tensions, whether from cyberattacks, terrorism, or geopolitical conflict, Northern Ireland’s connection to the UK ensures that we are part of a secure and well-resourced system that prioritizes the safety of its citizens.
This is not just a unionist concern; it’s a practical reality. Maintaining strong East-West ties guarantees that everyone in Northern Ireland, regardless of identity, is protected by world-class security and defence measures. Peace and stability require more than political agreements, they rely on the ability to deter and respond to emerging threats, something Northern Ireland benefits from as part of the UK.
In these uncertain times, the East-West relationship provides a vital shield for all of us.
Generosity
Strong East-West ties fosters mutual respect between different communities in Northern Ireland. My goal will always be to strike a balance that allows all traditions to coexist peacefully. By recognizing the importance of the East-West relationship, we build trust and help avoid the divisions of the past.
It speaks volumes about the commitment of some to a shared future that, despite the realities of the Northern Ireland Protocol, it was forced upon unionists. That’s not how a shared future is built.
The decision to return to majority rule voting in Stormont is also a step backwards. John Hume was a believer in parallel consent. It is frustratingly slow decision-making but in a divided society it is foundational to progress.
Seamus Mallon in his book spoke about “generosity” and the powerful impact generosity could have in these islands. I don’t believe masking the blanket unionist opposition to the NI Protocol is either generous nor does it fit with the Hume mindset when it comes to consent. The SDLP and Sinn Fein have become so consumed with their border poll ideology that they have sacrificed hard fought for principles on the altar of expediency.”