The Unionists must unite in opposition to the Protocol on Northern Ireland, said Sir Jeffrey Donaldson.
The leader of the DUP addressed a rally against the protocol in Castlederg in Co Tyrone on Thursday, where he stressed the importance of the joint work of the trade unions.
Speaking before the demonstration, he said: “Throughout Northern Ireland, I hear a strong and consistent message that union voters want to see union parties stand and work together.
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“When it comes to the benefits of the union and Northern Ireland’s position in the United Kingdom, there are many more things that unite the Unionist parties than divide us.
“There is a clear understanding of how important these elections will be and how they will shape the future direction of Northern Ireland.
The Red Hand Defenders Marching Orchestra leads a rally in opposition to the Protocol on Northern Ireland, organized by West Tyrone United Unionists, in Castlederg, Co Tyrone (Image: Liam McBurney / PA Wire)
“When Sinn Fein focuses on using elections to promote constitutional change, we know exactly what that means.
“If Sinn Fein wins the election, then on May 6 the focus will be on advancing plans for a split border poll, instead of fixing our NHS, helping working families or developing the economy.
Sir Jeffrey continued: “No elected union representative supports the Northern Ireland Protocol.
“The progress made in returning the EU to the negotiating table has been achieved through a united position.
“Only those who want to weaken trade unionism or who still want ‘strict application’ of the Protocol have something to gain from divisions in trade unionism.”
The Red Hand Defenders Marching Orchestra is holding a rally in opposition to the Northern Ireland Protocol, organized by West Tyrone United Unionists, in Castlederg, Co Tyrone. (Image: Liam McBurney / PA Wire)
TUV leader Jim Alistair told the rally that the Northern Ireland Protocol “reaches the goal” of a united Ireland.
He said: “How could it be otherwise when, according to the protocol, Britain is considered a third or foreign country in terms of trade?
“The great reality, as stated in the Court of Appeal’s ruling on the Protocol, is that the Protocol ‘subordinates’ Article 6 of the Union’s Acts, which guarantees freedom of trade within and between the constituent parts of this United Kingdom.”
He said checks on goods in Northern Irish ports meant that freedom of trade had been “shackled”.
Mr Alistair added: “It is all with the political intention that once you create the whole of Ireland economically, it is only a short step towards a politically integrated Ireland.
“That is why all trade unionists must unite and resolutely oppose the illegal protocol.”
The Castlederg rally is the latest in a series of events in Northern Ireland, outlining union and loyalist opposition to the post-Brexit protocol, which provides for additional checks on goods arriving in Northern Ireland from Britain.
The Red Hand Defenders Marching Orchestra is holding a rally in opposition to the Northern Ireland Protocol, organized by West Tyrone United Unionists, in Castlederg, Co Tyrone. (Image: Liam McBurney / PA Wire)
It is strongly opposed by the Unionists as a border in the Irish Sea.
The protesters met in the Orange Hall in the city before parading in front of the Diamond and then returning to the speech hall.
Loyalist activist Jamie Bryson also addressed the rally.
Mr Bryson used his speech to urge Ulster Union Party leader Doug Beatty to rejoin the demonstrations.
Mr Beatty said he would not attend the rallies, which he said were raising tensions.
Since then, the window of his office in his constituency in Portadown has been smashed, and one of his election posters has been left with a noose around his neck ahead of the anti-protocol protest in Lurgan.
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