Sir Jeffrey: Action on Protocol needed to restore consensus

“The Prime Minister’s visit to Northern Ireland is a recognition that the Protocol is not working and is harmful to Northern Ireland. Those problems must be addressed.

We await to hear what the Prime Minister has to say, but we will not make judgements based on words. It is decisive action that must be taken. The problems have been clearly identified and I have set out 7 tests against which action will be judged.

Until that action is taken, the consensus necessary for powersharing in Northern Ireland does not exist. We respect the mandate received by other parties, but equally they must recognise the clear view expressed by the unionist electorate.

We have been waiting a long time for this moment and unionism has been both reasonable and patient. Were the situation reversed, no one would seriously argue that it would be sustainable for nationalist concerns to be ignored. We must deal with the problems that exist, restore consensus and then move forward on that basis.”