MP sceptical of Sir Chris Bryant's claim he wants a 'strong Northern Ireland in a strong United Kingdom'
The new Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has committed to working “for a strong Northern Ireland in a strong United Kingdom” after being appointed by Andy Burnham on Monday.
The comments came after Jim Allister had questioned Sir Chris Bryant’s willingness to stand up for the province “against EU colonialism in this part of the UK”.
Mr Bryant was appointed to replace Hilary Benn at the Northern Ireland Office, as the new prime minister swept aside key Starmer figures.
However, he has already faced criticism from the TUV boss and the industry group Manufacturing NI. Reacting to his appointment they said he was “responsible for the disastrous steel tariffs recently introduced”.
Mr Allister has told the News Letter that his appointment “is a matter of profound concern” – saying the steel tariff position “exposed an alarming disregard for Northern Ireland’s constitutional status”.
“In setting out the GB arrangements, he made clear that Northern Ireland’s tariffs are not determined by the United Kingdom at all, but by Brussels. He effectively acknowledged that while Great Britain receives its tariff policy from its own Government, Northern Ireland must abide by decisions made in a foreign capital, even on the movement of steel within our own country.
“That admission laid bare the humiliating reality imposed by the Irish Sea border: Northern Ireland is governed not as an integral part of the United Kingdom, but as an EU colony”. The North Antrim MP said his concerns “are deepened by his noted opposition to the Supreme Court’s ruling on sex”, a ruling Mr Allister said “affirmed what many regard as an essential biological reality”.
"His stance raises serious questions about whether he will respect the social and legal foundations valued by many in Northern Ireland, particularly at a time when clarity on such matters is vital. The Brexit referendum promised that the UK, all of it, would leave the EU. That promise has not been honoured. Sir Chris Bryant’s approach confirms that NI continues to be treated as an EU colony rather than as a full and equal part of our nation. This cannot be allowed to stand”.