Brexit NI: Arlene Foster and DUP want to change law concerning NI protocol

First Minister, Arlene Foster, has said the DUP are working towards changing legislation to ensure Northern Ireland has unfettered access to Great Britain once the Brexit transition period ends on December 31, 2020.
By PA Reporter
Published 9th Sep 2020, 13:22 BST
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Speaking in Co Tyrone, Northern Ireland’s First Minister said: “In an interview a couple of weeks ago, I said we would obey the law and as ministers it is our legal duty to make sure that we look to the law, but that doesn’t stop us from trying to change the law.

“I will be working will all my colleagues in the DUP to try and ensure we listen to the voices of businesses and we make sure that we represent that voice.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“It’s important that we have unfettered access and that we have a UK market that we can operate in without any discrimination and make sure our wonderful firms are able to continue to work.”

EU's chief negotiator Michel Barnier (left) arriving from the Eurostar with EU Ambassador to the UK, Portuguese diplomat Joao Vale de Almeida at St Pancras International railway station, London, for the latest round of the negotiations on a free trade deal between the EU and the UK.EU's chief negotiator Michel Barnier (left) arriving from the Eurostar with EU Ambassador to the UK, Portuguese diplomat Joao Vale de Almeida at St Pancras International railway station, London, for the latest round of the negotiations on a free trade deal between the EU and the UK.
EU's chief negotiator Michel Barnier (left) arriving from the Eurostar with EU Ambassador to the UK, Portuguese diplomat Joao Vale de Almeida at St Pancras International railway station, London, for the latest round of the negotiations on a free trade deal between the EU and the UK.

Asked about the comments made by Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis, Mrs Foster added: “Those are matters for the ministers in Whitehall and in Westminster. For us here in Northern Ireland we have to make sure that we represent the interests of companies so we can continue to do business in the Great Britain market.

“It’s important we continue to make the case for clarification, for changes where necessary so that we can move ahead.”

Related topics:First MinisterNorthern IrelandArlene FosterDUPGreat BritainBrandon Lewis

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.