Speaking from Westminster, Carla Lockhart said:

“The priority for the DUP is to ensure that Northern Ireland’s place within the U.K. internal market is fully restored and within that to see the protection of our agri-food sector, and its freedom to again operate on a UK wide basis. 

We have been making the case, based on our seven tests that in new arrangements there should be no checks on goods moving in any direction within the U.K. internal market and no new regulatory barriers developed between Northern Ireland and the rest of the United Kingdom unless agreed and supported by the Assembly and Executive. 

For the Government to press ahead, without clear explanation,and take powers to build enhanced inspection points is a retrograde step. I know that on a weekly basis I am contacted by those within our agri-food sector who are encountering difficulty due to the terms of the Protocol. We need to see these issues addressed, not reinforced.

Our Party Leader, Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP, has made clear to Lord Benyon that this move is inappropriate. We need the Government to step back from any attempt to entrench the Protocol and instead seek solutions that will work for Northern Ireland and that will command broad support within Northern Ireland.”