Liz Truss: Alliance leader Naomi Long expresses concern about new Tory leader’s plans for Northern Ireland Protocol

By The Newsroom
Published 5th Sep 2022, 20:57 BST
Updated 5th Sep 2022, 21:08 BST
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Alliance leader Naomi Long said Liz Truss’ comments on Northern Ireland and the EU during the Tory leadership contest do not inspire confidence.

Mrs Long expressed concern that the new Prime Minister might pursue a “hard right agenda” in office, particularly in pushing through the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill.

She said: “There will no doubt be concerns about Liz Truss becoming Prime Minister, given some of her actions to date.

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“However, being new to the role, she has a window of opportunity to put her stamp on the position.

Liz Truss standing next to the Pioneer foil boat that is used to transport crew in offshore wind farms during a campaign visit to the maritime engineering company in Belfast Harbour, as part of her campaign to be leader of the Conservative Party and the next prime minister. Picture date: Wednesday August 17, 2022.Liz Truss standing next to the Pioneer foil boat that is used to transport crew in offshore wind farms during a campaign visit to the maritime engineering company in Belfast Harbour, as part of her campaign to be leader of the Conservative Party and the next prime minister. Picture date: Wednesday August 17, 2022.
Liz Truss standing next to the Pioneer foil boat that is used to transport crew in offshore wind farms during a campaign visit to the maritime engineering company in Belfast Harbour, as part of her campaign to be leader of the Conservative Party and the next prime minister. Picture date: Wednesday August 17, 2022.

“As such, she can make a positive impact on Northern Ireland by engaging in sensible discussions with the EU around the Protocol, and pursuing reforms to the Assembly and Executive in order to secure their return and future proof both.

“That requires constructive leadership from Ms Truss.”

Restoring power-sharing should be Liz Truss’ number one priority, Sinn Fein’s Stormont leader Michelle O’Neill has said.

Ms O’Neill called on the new Prime Minister to stop “pandering to the DUP” and demanded an urgent meeting with her to discuss the political deadlock at Stormont.

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“Liz Truss has an opportunity to come in now and stop pandering to the DUP, stop pandering to the approach which is damaging to our ability to help people through the cost-of-living crisis.”

The Sinn Fein vice-President urged Ms Truss not to trigger Article 16, which would temporarily suspend the operation of the NI Protocol.

She said the new Prime Minister should instead engage with the EU and the Irish government to find a solution to the post-Brexit arrangement.

“What we need to see now is a change of tack, a change of policy, a change of approach,” Ms O’Neill added.

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SDLP leader Colm Eastwood warned that there will be “no honeymoon” period for the new Prime Minister after she enters 10 Downing Street.

The Foyle MP said: “She has the unenviable task of seeking to repair the immense damage done to public confidence in politics and public service following Boris Johnson’s unedifying tenure as British Prime Minister.”

Mr Eastwood said one of her first priorities should be to introduce windfall taxes on energy companies to pay for state support for people’s bills this winter.

Related topics:Liz TrussNaomi LongPrime MinisterMichelle O'NeillNorthern Ireland