Windsor Framework: DUP leader hails significant progress in NI Protocol deal but says 'key issues of concern remain'

In a statement, the DUP leader said: “Over 18 months ago the Democratic Unionist Party outlined seven tests which at the time I indicated would be the basis upon which we would judge any agreement between the United Kingdom and the European Union.

“It is now one year since we withdrew our first minister from the then Northern Ireland executive to send the clearest possible signal that we did not support the NI Protocol and that we were not prepared to implement that which was disastrous for Northern Ireland.

“Since the imposition of that protocol many, including the Government, the European Union and indeed those early cheerleaders for it in Northern Ireland, have come to recognise that it could not have been made to work, had upset the delicate political balance in Northern Ireland and was not supported by the unionist community in Northern Ireland.

“Our judgment and our principled position in opposing the protocol in Parliament and at Stormont has been vindicated. Undoubtedly it is now recognised that the protocol does not work. When others said there would be no renegotiation and no change, our determination has proved what can be achieved.”

Sir Jeffrey added: “In broad terms it is clear that significant progress has been secured across a number of areas whilst also recognising there remain key issues of concern. There can be no disguising the fact that in some sectors of our economy EU law remains applicable in Northern Ireland. The DUP will want to study the detail of what has been published today as well as examining the detail of any and all underpinning legal texts.”

Sir Jeffrey added: “Ultimately the party will now assess all these proposed outcomes and arrangements against our seven tests, outlined in our 2022 Assembly Election Manifesto”.

However, DUP MP Ian Paisley said the new deal “does not cut the mustard”.

“Has it been changed sufficiently, does it meet our seven tests? Obviously we’re going to continue to assess the legal framework,” he told GB News.

“But I think it falls some way short in satisfying those tests. That’s my gut instinct…

“And therefore whilst the Prime Minister continues to have a protocol effectively still be in operation, that will effectively still see ECJ rule in Northern Ireland, that will still see us subject to single market rules as opposed to fully UK rules, unfortunately that means that powersharing does not look like it’s coming back any time soon.”

UUP leader Doug Beattie said: “We will study what has been released in detail with the attention and careful consideration that it deserves.

“We will be reflecting on whether the proposals take into consideration the concerns that we have raised and whether it truly provides long-lasting solutions.”

Mr Beattie added: “If we had listened to those who said the EU had gone as far as they could then we would not have reached this point.

“I am proud of the role my party has played in engaging across the UK, European Union and beyond in making the pro-Union case on the problems caused by the protocol and in bringing the EU back to the negotiating table.”