DUP boss Sir Jeffrey Donaldson hits back hard at Jamie Bryson: 'We are the main voice of unionism and we will not be intimidated'

In his letter, which was also sent to the leaders of the UUP and TUV, Mr Bryson had said any unionist who re-entered Stormont without a resolution to their Windsor Framework concerns would be a “collaborator” in undercutting the Union, and that for unionists to do so would “ignite significant instability”.

The party says the framework, agreed at the start of 2023 between the UK and EU as a way of softening some aspects of the NI Protocol, is not enough to allay their Irish Sea border concerns.

It is seeking further assurances, by way of legislation, over Northern Ireland’s place in the UK internal market, and talks between the DUP and the Government have been ongoing over the summer.

One of the main parts of the framework – the green/red lane system for the movement of goods – entered force on Sunday.

In his letter, Mr Bryson stated he was writing "on behalf of Unionist Voice Policy Studies, an organisation which represents a broad range of groups and individuals across the grassroots unionist and loyalist community”.

He said: “A surrendering on these issues by returning to Stormont would – in our analysis – ignite significant instability, and without any doubt precipitate a return to mass street protests.

“It would, in our view, also be the case that a significant swathe of grassroots unionism/loyalism would actively electorally campaign against any unionist who had opted for the role of collaborator and implementer in the subjugation and suspension of the Union.”

Sir Jeffrey tonight said his party is the “main voice of unionism in our sovereign Parliament”.

He said: “The Windsor Framework represents progress in relation to certain aspects of trade within the UK and its internal market, but there is more work to do...

“In the end, having already listened to what others have to say, the DUP will carefully consider any final Government response to the issues we have articulated and will take its own counsel and decisions based upon what we believe to be in the best interests of Northern Ireland, and its people, whether they agree with us or not or vote for us.

“We will not bow to pressure, threats or blackmail, regardless of what source it comes from.

“Anyone who thinks that they can exert influence on policy or intimidate our party by making such threats is sadly mistaken and misunderstands who we are or where we have come from.”

In turn, Mr Bryson responded to Sir Jeffrey saying: “The DUP commitments are clear and unequivocal.

"They have been stated in Parliament, on platforms and on the pages of Unionist Voice in detailed contributions by the DUP leader.

“It’s welcome and absolutely correct the DUP take their own decisions without external impediment...

“It’s worth remembering that before taking their strong stand on the Protocol, supported by a large majority of unionist voters, the DUP found themselves at 13% in the polls.

“No one in unionism wants to see the largest unionist party to slump in such a way again and, therefore, we will continue to engage and work positively (as the DUP work with many across our community) with Sir Jeffrey and his team in ensuring the fundamental unalterable commitments they have made are delivered.”

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