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John

It is welcome that voices in London and Dublin are now recognising that it was a mistake to proceed with the NI Protocol with zero unionist support.

Whilst this recognition is good, I would like to see their commitment to ensuring the mistakes of 2019 are not repeated in 2023. We must work to have the Protocol replaced with arrangements that unionists can support.

In July 2021, I set out our seven tests. Any new deal will be measured against those tests.

There is no solid basis for an Executive and Assembly until the Protocol is replaced with arrangements that restore NI’s place in the U.K. internal market and our constitutional arrangements are respected.

I am glad that our message is getting through, but we need more than words. I will work with all sides to deliver a long-term solution which provides a solid basis for devolved government.

Thank you,

Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP

Leader

Democratic Unionist Party

Also this week:

Policing Board member Trevor Clarke said police officers who protect us deserve to be protected themselves. He was responding to a report which considered disarming officers here.

Lagan Valley MLA Emma Little Pengelly said that either the problems created by the Protocol are resolved or the basis for restoring devolution will not exist. She was commenting as the date passed that is contained in legislation on forming an Executive.

Fermanagh & South Tyrone MLA Deborah Erskine welcomed the award of £20million of Levelling Up funding to her constituency.