Liz Truss ‘can be trusted to sort out protocol’ - Brandon Lewis

Writing exclusively for the News Letter, the recent Northern Ireland secretary said Ms Truss has “an unwavering belief in the sanctity of our Union” and will defend the Province’s position within the UK.

Mr Lewis said the Conservative leadership candidate “can be trusted” on resolving the protocol and protecting the Union between NI and GB.

As Foreign Secretary, Liz Truss introduced the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill through the House of Commons in June. The law if passed undiluted will empower the next prime minister and their Cabinet to unilaterally change the post-Brexit trade deal.

Mr Lewis writes: “As Northern Ireland secretary I worked with Liz to develop the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill to resolve the outstanding issues with its implementation and operation. Liz has made it her priority to defend peace and stability in Northern Ireland, taking a tough line on the protocol and standing up to the EU in the process.

“That is no mean feat, and she faced internal as well as external pressure to buckle in the face of the EU’s unreasonable and unrealistic demands, to the detriment of our Union, but she stood firm.”