He was speaking after the King’s Speech outlined the Government’s plans for the next Parliament.
Sir Jeffrey said, “There are many areas to be welcomed within the Government’s priorities, including tackling online crime and ensuring the most vulnerable, especially young people, are protected on social media. We cannot allow a ‘wild west’ approach to prevail online.
However, the Government’s priorities must also be focused on delivering a more prosperous and united country. We have been campaigning on behalf of working families and it is disappointing there was no specific commitment in relation to support for childcare and particularly to ensure it is affordable for parents in all parts of the United Kingdom. Increasing the tax-free childcare allowance would provide an immediate benefit to working parents everywhere. Assistance with childcare is not just of benefit to families but is also of benefit to economic growth and the delivery of vital public services.
We will continue in our discussions with the Government to see Northern Ireland’s place within the United Kingdom and its internal market restored. The Government often stresses its commitment to the Union, and it is important this is demonstrated with concrete actions which bring all parts of the United Kingdom closer together. The DUP has put forward proposals in this area and we hope this can be progressed in the future.”