Jim Allister angry NI, Scotland and Wales lockdown exit plans different to that of Boris Johnson's

The plan was published on Tuesday morning and was outlined by both First Minister, Arlene Foster and deputy First Minister, Michelle O'Neill in the chamber in Stormont.

The vast majority of MLAs signalled their support for the plan however some had reservations over the lack of specific dates detailing when the lockdown would be eased.

Like Scotland and Wales, Northern Ireland's plan differs to what has been put forward by Prime Minister, Boris Johnson.

Mr. Allister accused the Northern Ireland executive, Scotland and Wales of cherry picking on when they were and were not prepared to take their lead from Westminster.

"The devolved regions were all very happy to be in lockstep with Westminster when it came to receiving and spending the Treasury’s generous support.

"Now that we have moved to easing out of lockdown there seems to be a preference for difference," said Mr. Allister.

Mr. Allister went on to suggest that the Northern Ireland economy was going to suffer because there "was not a great urgency" in the five point plan.

“This should not be about the differences which devolution can create or silly points about who allegedly has the best slogan.

"It could ultimately be about who has an economy left after it is all over.

"I regret that there was not a greater urgency in today’s plan to the resuscitation of our economy.

"The stagnation of the status quo could, I fear, do untold damage."

Mr. Allister added: “Another problem with the plan is the lack of clarity on when the various steps will be taken.

"It is all very good to have a Sat Nav giving the direction of travel but if it keeps saying don’t start the engine it really isn’t any advantage to us.

"The Executive can tell us that it has these goals but we can only move to any of them at the pace of the slowest because of the veto which operates within government.

"It is my fear that we will be held back from doing the things which we need to do because of the problems of mandatory coalition and the veto which it gifts to a party, Sinn Fein, which does not even want Northern Ireland to exist.”

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