DUP leader tells Maros Sefcovic that EU protocol proposals "fall short of what is needed"

By PA news

DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has told EC vice president Maros Sefcovic that proposed changes to the Northern Ireland Protocol “fall short of what is needed”.

Sir Jeffrey was speaking following a virtual meeting with Mr Sefcovic on Thursday.

He said: “We had a useful and honest discussion. I welcomed the change of heart in Brussels with the decision to renegotiate.

“For so long we were told the protocol could not be reopened but the persistent pressing of our case has paid dividends.

“I also explained why the proposals fall short of what is needed.”

DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has told EC vice president Maros Sefcovic that proposed changes to the Northern Ireland Protocol “fall short of what is needed”.https://t.co/QsPgbWJ32l

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) October 14, 2021

Sir Jeffrey added: “Short-term fixes will not solve the problems that have beset the United Kingdom internal market.

“Removing some checks today does not solve the divergence problems of tomorrow. State aid and VAT arrangements if left unaltered will be detrimental to Northern Ireland’s long-term prospects.

“We need a sustainable solution which removes the Irish Sea border and restores our place within the United Kingdom.”

(Sir Jeffrey Donaldson)