DUP leader urges PM to trigger Article 16 if agreement with EU cannot be reached

Speaking to Sky News’ “Trevor Phillips on Sunday” programme, DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has called on Boris Johnson to give a firm commitment that he will trigger Article 16 of the Northern Ireland Protocol if agreement cannot be reached with the European Union:

“It disappoints me that our prime minister cannot give a firm commitment today that if there is not agreement reached with the European Union, he will take the steps that are necessary to restore Northern Ireland’s place within the UK internal market”.

“That means triggering Article 16. That’s the commitment I need to get from this prime minister”.

Article 16 allows the EU or UK to take unilateral “safeguard” measures if either concludes serious practical problems or a diversion of trade are resulting from the trade arrangements in place.

Sir Jeffrey added: “Let’s get our political institutions restored on the basis of sound foundations, that means dealing with the protocol, making these issues our priority so that the people of Northern Ireland can enjoy a strong, stable government.

“That’s what we expect of a prime minister. We can’t go on like this. We can’t go on with a situation where serious problems like we have here in Northern Ireland are not getting the attention they deserve”.