Leading loyalist warns government it may well be playing with fire over Protocol

The chairman of a group linked to the three major loyalist terror organisations has warned the government it could well be “playing with fire” over the Protocol.
By Adam Kula
Published 19th Dec 2021, 14:23 BST
A placard in Rathcoole, Newtownabbey, warning that the Protocol has fatally undermined the 1998 agreementA placard in Rathcoole, Newtownabbey, warning that the Protocol has fatally undermined the 1998 agreement
A placard in Rathcoole, Newtownabbey, warning that the Protocol has fatally undermined the 1998 agreement

The Loyalist Communities Council brings together long-standing UDA, Red Hand Commando and PUP/UVF figures.

The council is chaired by David Campbell, a former senior UUP figure who has no personal connections to terror or criminality himself.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He said the statement is from him personally, not on behalf of the whole group.

It reads:

“I am concerned that there will now be further delays in replacing the NI Protocol and also worried that HMG may be tempted to soften their approach.

“Many of us have given time and space for these negotiations on the basis of Lord Frosts briefings.

“HMG and the EU need to recognise that giving time and space is not a sign of our weakening our position.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“The breaches in the Belfast Agreement must be repaired. This means no border infrastructure and unfettered GB-NI trade, and no EU judicial sovereignty over Northern Ireland.

“Any resiling from this will be playing with fire.”

Click here: Doggerel poetry graffiti threatening ‘war’ from loyalists is condemned

Click here: Triple road crash involving tractor kills 82-year-old man

——— ———

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

With the coronavirus lockdowns having had a major impact on many of our advertisers — and consequently the revenue we receive — we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to newsletter.co.uk and enjoy unlimited access to the best Northern Ireland and UK news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content.

Visit

https://www.newsletter.co.uk/subscriptionsnow to sign up.

Our journalism costs money and we rely on advertising, print and digital revenues to help to support them. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.

Ben Lowry, Editor