Unionists urge Chris Heaton-Harris to challenge US officials during five-day visit

Chris Heaton-Harris cross the Atlantic yesterday for a five-day trip to Washington, Boston and New York.

Mr Heaton-Harris is due to meet with representatives from the State Department, members of congress, a number of business and trade organisations and the Ad Hoc Committee to Protect the Good Friday Agreement.

On the approach to the 25th anniversary of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement, Mr Heaton-Harris is also expected to use the opportunity to highlight his efforts to end the political stalemate over the NI Protocol which has led to the DUP boycotting Stormont."

Ulster Unionist MLA John Stewart said he hoped the NI Secretary will “use this trip to promote how Northern Ireland is an incredible place to visit, live and do business,” and added: “I also hope that in his meetings he will underline the importance of the US supporting the Belfast Agreement in all its parts, not just cherry-picking parts for convenience. If the US administration wants to play a constructive role then it will be mindful of this in any statements it makes.”

A TUV spokesperson said: “The Secretary of State should ask politicians in the US to consider what the consequences would be for the US if they were to impose internal trade borders and subject US citizens to laws they do not make, cannot change and which are overseen by a foreign court. What would the US public reaction to be to such a state of affairs?”

During his visit, Mr Heaton-Harris will meet with new US Special Envoy to Northern Ireland for Economic Affairs Joe Kennedy III.

Before departing for Washington, Mr Heaton-Harris said: “The US has been pivotal in supporting Northern Ireland. I greatly value our partnership and look forward to deepening our collaboration, especially in areas of trade and investment.

“Through a busy agenda of meetings with business and government representatives, I will raise awareness of Northern Ireland’s offering as a great place to live, work and do business and encourage continued trade and investment opportunities from the US.”