The government’s protocol bill does not remove the border with the Irish Sea and the battle is still ongoing to save the Union, said Jim Alistair.
Addressing Tori from the University of Cambridge, the TUV leader expressed his disappointment with the legislation welcomed by the DUP.
“The reason why the Union’s enemies are the strongest supporters of the protocol is that it has achieved what the IRA has failed to achieve in decades of terror – pushing the border to the Irish Sea and creating the foundation of an economic whole of Ireland.
“Similarly, defining GB as a foreign country makes it anathema to trade unionists. “Therefore, the battle for protocol is a battle for the union itself,” he said.
Mr Alistair spoke after the EU launched a new lawsuit against the United Kingdom in retaliation for Boris Johnson’s plan to unilaterally repeal parts of the protocol.
The leader of TUV said at the annual dinner of the University Conservative Association: “It is no coincidence that the protocol subordinates the economic cornerstone of the Union – Article 6 of the Union Acts.
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European Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič holds documents while speaking at a press conference at EU headquarters in Brussels
AP
European Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič holds documents while speaking at a press conference at EU headquarters in Brussels
“For many, the litmus test for the government’s protocol bill is whether it removes the border with the Irish Sea. Unfortunately, this is not the case.
“Yes, it can improve it, but the very idea of green and red lanes confirms the existence of a border. Where do you have such customs tapes? At the border, depicting that you are moving from one customs regime to another.
“Facilitating the movement of goods across this border does not remove it, nor its constitutional significance and symbolism, nor its incompatibility with Article 6 of the Union Acts.
“Improving the flow across the border is very far from removing the border. Thus, for those who have put the removal of the Irish border as a test, this bill fails this test.
However, newly elected DUP South Down MLA Diane Forsythe said the legislation had “the potential to provide a lasting and pragmatic solution” to the protocol issue.
Speaking at a parade of the group in Oglisnafin, outside of Castlewell, she called for union unity: “We cannot remain indifferent as the Irish Sea border attacks our way of life and makes us second-class citizens in our own country.
“Divided trade unionism has made Sinn Fein the largest party. In North Antrim, Strangford and East Antrim, trade unionism has four quotas, but only three MPPs have been elected. We must learn from the mistakes of the past, not repeat them. “
Ms Forsythe addressed the non-union parties in Northern Ireland, adding: “Brussels and Dublin seem pleased to be fighting hard against the concerns of trade unionism and the principle of consent, but they are strongly supported by people who are closer to at home.
“The Alliance party has joined a cozy coalition with Sinn Fein and the SDLP, which is focused only on promoting majority rule. Shame on them.
“We believe in power-sharing, but other parties now seem to be focused on imposing majority rule. They are taking Northern Ireland backwards rather than forwards. “
Speaking in Brussels, European Commission Vice-President Maros Shefcovic said the British government had set itself the goal of “unilaterally violating international law”.
His bill would mean “breach of an agreement that protects peace and stability in Northern Ireland, an agreement reached only three years ago.”
Mr Shefcovic said: “Let there be no doubt: there is no legal or political justification for unilaterally changing an international agreement.
“Opening the door to unilaterally changing an international agreement is also a violation of international law. So let’s call a spade a spade: it’s illegal.”
In addition to new lawsuits for alleged failures in the implementation of the Northern Ireland Protocol in its current form, Mr Šefčovič confirmed that the existing infringement proceedings, which had been suspended during the EU-UK negotiations, would now be resumed.
He also pointed out that additional measures could follow if the government continues with the bill. DUP MP Gavin Robinson accused the EU of taking “retaliatory action”.
UUP MLA Steve Aiken said: “The current stalemate between the EU and the United Kingdom, while sad, is an opportunity to start serious negotiations that urgently need to be understood by both sides.
“The border with the Irish Sea is fundamentally undermining the Belfast Agreement and needs to be addressed. Negotiations should replace last week’s megaphone diplomacy.
“It is time for the negotiators to fill the gaps, get rid of the checks on goods coming to Northern Ireland from Britain that remain here, and agree on a solution that works for the people of Northern Ireland. While they …
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