28/02/2023

DUP To Study Details Of New Protocol Deal

The DUP has thanked Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, for his work on securing a new Brexit and Protocol deal, which the party will now study in detail.

Following confirmation of a new deal, party leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said: "We welcome the publication of the outcome of the Government’s negotiations with the EU which ends a period of speculation and spin, often from those who know little about Northern Ireland.

"In broad terms it is clear that significant progress has been secured across a number of areas whilst also recognising there remain key issues of concern. There can be no disguising the fact that in some sectors of our economy EU law remains applicable in Northern Ireland.

"The DUP will want to study the detail of what has been published today as well as examining the detail of any and all underpinning legal texts. Where necessary we stand ready to engage with the Government in order to seek further clarification, re-working or change as required.

"Ultimately the party will now assess all these proposed outcomes and arrangements against our seven tests, outlined in our 2022 Assembly Election Manifesto, to determine whether what has been published meet our tests and whether it respects and restores Northern Ireland’s place within the United Kingdom."

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

02 May 2024
NI To Ban Single Use Vapes
The sale and supply of single use vapes will be banned in Northern Ireland by April 2025, in a bid to stop five million single use vapes being thrown away or littered every week across the UK. Environment Minister Andrew Muir MLA has announced his intention to introduce a ban here, in parallel with the rest of the UK.
01 March 2024
Belfast Region City Deal Investment Creates 'Significant Opportunities'
Belfast City Council has hosted an event for business leaders to learn more about the opportunities being created by the Belfast Region City Deal programme of investment – and how they can connect to, and benefit from them.
02 May 2024
UUP Calls On Govt To 'Step Up' For Healthcare
The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) has called on the UK government to "step up" for Northern Ireland's struggling healthcare system. Party leader Doug Beattie has met with a senior Northern Ireland Office (NIO) official to raise his concerns that the recent Assembly budget will result in further damage to our Health Service.
03 May 2024
People Urged To Be More 'UV Aware' To Protect Their Skin
People across Northern Ireland have been urged to be UV aware and to "get the best from your sunscreen" to help reduce the risk of skin cancer. The Public Health Agency (PHA) and Cancer Focus NI have made the call ahead of Sun Awareness Week, 06-12 May.
03 May 2024
Other News In Brief
UUP Renews Call For Action On Veterinary Medicine Supply The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) has called for urgent action on the supply of veterinary medicines to Northern Ireland.