Carla Lockhart said:

“The Government’s indication that they will be bringing through the cultural aspects of New Decade, New Approach sadly reflect an ongoing partisan approach by the Government to the fulfilment of that agreement.

It is remarkable that the Government believe that these measures are a greater priority than the restoration of Northern Ireland’s place in the internal market of the United Kingdom. One is costing £100,000 a day, stopping the free flow of goods into Northern Ireland, driving up prices of everyday goods and adding to the squeeze on household budgets amid a cost of living crisis. On the other hand, the lack of a cultural package is having no material negative impact on anyone here in Northern Ireland.

This is a time when the Government ought to be showing urgency in addressing the Protocol, and the very damaging impact it is having on our economy, on society and the political process. Instead, they seem intent on causing greater division by a one-sided approach to fulfilling their commitments in NDNA.

The more Westminster acts on matters of devolved competence, the more disillusionment there is with Stormont, and the less appetite there is for it to return. That is something the Prime Minister and Secretary of State need to be cognisant of.”