Arlene Foster and Nigel Dodds meet with loyalist paramilitary representatives over NI Protocol

DUP leader Arlene Foster, along with deputy leader Nigel Dodds and East Belfast MP Gavin Robinson, have met with a representative group for loyalist paramilitaries over the Northern Ireland Protocol.

By PA Reporter

Published 25th Feb 2021, 14:59 BST

A party spokesman said they discussed opposition to the protocol within the community with the Loyalist Commission.

“We listened to the views expressed and the need for political and constitutional methods to safeguard the United Kingdom single market and ensure there is an unfettered flow of trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland,” he said.

The DUP has demanded the scrapping of the protocol amid growing signs of anger within loyalist communities.

Earlier this month graffiti comdemning the NI Protocol was reported in several areas.

Following a meeting of the UK/EU Joint Committee overseeing the mechanism on Wednesday, First Minister Arlene Foster said the protocol had “completely ruptured the flow of goods from Great Britain to Northern Ireland”.

She called for the UK to take unilateral action, saying Mr Johnson’s Government should “step up and protect the United Kingdom internal market”.