Both the DUP and the Ulster Unionists are aiding the demise of the Union by refusing to take a stand against the Irish Sea border

The responses from both the DUP and UUP to the proposals made by TUV leader Jim Allister to actively oppose the implementation of the Northern Ireland Protocol (January 28, see link below) and, more recently, to the “suck it up” or “resist it” option laid out by the former DUP leader Peter Robinson (Feb 12, see link below) have been disappointing but not surprising.

By their actions — and inaction — it is clear that the DUP and the UUP now prioritise sharing government with parties committed to the creation of a so-called united-Ireland, ahead of seeking to protect the Union. For that reason, I shall no longer vote for either party.

The NI Protocol has clearly been designed to orientate Northern Ireland’s economic, political and constitutional future towards a united Ireland and away from the UK. By continuing to administer and cooperate with the implementation of the protocol, the DUP and the UUP are aiding the demise of the Union.

In refusing to take a principled stand against the nefarious intentions of the protocol both parties have effectively become ‘managing agents’ for the assimilation of British unionists into an all-Ireland state.

Although withdrawing from Stormont as a stand-alone act will not in and of itself thwart the united-Ireland ambitions of the Union’s opponents, it would at least signal that DUP and UUP representatives will no longer willingly facilitate the destruction of the UK.

Thomas Smyth, Belfast BT4

• Jim Allister: Where’s the fighting spirit of DUP and UUP over Irish Sea border?

• Peter Robinson: Unionists might face a choice between keeping Stormont or scrapping the Irish Sea border

• Letter: Arlene Foster should quit as DUP leader if she does not have stomach to lead unionism

• Letter: DUP should do what is right and walk from Stormont

• Arlene Foster rejects Peter Robinson suggestion of collapsing Stormont

• Jim Allister: It may well be a choice between Stormont and the Irish Sea border, as Peter Robinson says

• Ben Lowry: Peter Robinson has long experience of the what is and isn’t feasible

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