Sammy Wilson: Unlike Dublin, the EU, and its supporters, we never talked up the threat of violence

A statement from Sammy Wilson MP:
By Sammy Wilson
Published 3rd Feb 2021, 10:00 BST
Updated 3rd Feb 2021, 10:30 BST
The pro-Remain parties, the former Irish prime minister Leo Varadkar, above, and the EU talked up the threat of violence to articulate their argument but we did not, writes Sammy WilsonThe pro-Remain parties, the former Irish prime minister Leo Varadkar, above, and the EU talked up the threat of violence to articulate their argument but we did not, writes Sammy Wilson
The pro-Remain parties, the former Irish prime minister Leo Varadkar, above, and the EU talked up the threat of violence to articulate their argument but we did not, writes Sammy Wilson

It was naive of Her Majesty’s Government to believe that they could renege on the promises they made to the unionist population, to achieve a quick fix agreement with the European Union, without consequence.

The fettering of trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland has now regrettably led to threats against staff at both Larne and Belfast Ports.

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These threats must be condemned without equivocation and I welcome support from all parties to withdraw staff.

Sammy Wilson MP: "I understand the frustration but it advances no cause to target officials who are simply doing their job"Sammy Wilson MP: "I understand the frustration but it advances no cause to target officials who are simply doing their job"
Sammy Wilson MP: "I understand the frustration but it advances no cause to target officials who are simply doing their job"

Throughout the negotiations, the DUP argued that such a blockage to trade would have economic and constitutional consequences for Northern Ireland.

However, unlike the pro-Remain parties, the EU and the former Irish prime minister, we never talked up the threat of violence to articulate our argument. In doing so, these individuals and parties created an atmosphere where extreme elements in society now believe violence will be rewarded.

I understand the frustration which persists but it advances no cause to target officials who are simply doing their job.

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The way forward is through a political resolution and requires all the parties in Northern Ireland to make common cause and defend the constituents and businesses they represent.

Letter to the editorLetter to the editor
Letter to the editor

The EU had no qualms in tossing aside the protocol when it wished to deflect from its bureaucratic and political incompetence regarding Covid vaccines. The government should show the same attitude in defending the integrity of the UK.

Sammy Wilson, DUP MP for East Antrim

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Related topics:Sammy WilsonNorthern IrelandDUPLarneGreat Britain