SDLP Leader of the Opposition Matthew O’Toole has welcomed the prospect of fresh negotiations between the British government and the European Union on the Protocol.
It comes after new Foreign Secretary James Cleverly held talks with Maroš Šefčovič on Friday.
South Belfast MLA Mr O’Toole said:
“It is welcome news that the UK and EU are actually meeting to discuss practical issues, after a prolonged period of unilateral action, law breaking and provocation by the UK Government.
“While the SDLP supports practical solutions to smooth the movement of goods from Britain, we are firmly opposed to any loss of the dual market access and competitive advantage which the Protocol offers.
“People in Northern Ireland did not want Brexit and have rejected it at every electoral opportunity since – and polling consistently demonstrates broad support for making the Protocol work with practical implementation.
“More than anything, people here need a Government during the worst cost of living emergency in a lifetime – which is vastly more important to people than the Protocol. The DUP’s immoral boycott of the institutions needs to end now.”
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