Any Protocol deal must stand up to our seven tests

Carla Lockhart MP • February 7, 2023

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has said growing speculation around the prospect of a deal on the Protocol should be treated only as rumour, and that should an agreement emerge it will only be viable if it meets the seven tests outlined by the Democratic Unionist Party.

Carla Lockhart said:

“We will not be taking any decision on the basis of speculation. If and when an agreement emerges between the Government and the EU, we will study it and assess it against the seven key tests we have outlined and which the Government and EU are acutely aware of. These have been in the public domain for eighteen months, and ought to be no surprise to anyone.

The prize for the right deal is clear. It is the restoration of the Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive. This can only be achieved if an agreement is reached which commands the support of unionism, so that the foundation blocks on which the institutions are based are restored. Such an outcome is in everyone’s interests, to ensure stable devolution returns.

More than enough time has passed to find a deal within the parameters that have been outlined as acceptable. The Government and EU need to get on with it.”

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