DUP claims Northern Ireland protocol makes the North the ‘pawn of Europe’

NORTHERN IRELAND COULD become Europe’s “pawn” if the Northern Ireland protocol is introduced, a leading Democratic unionist has said.

The protocol is designed to keep the border smooth if no post-Brexit trade deal is found between the UK and the EU.

But the additional paperwork and EU customs declarations would be unnecessary consequences that would cost the community and businesses a lot, added Paul Givan.

He warned: “The protocol allows the EU to use us as a pawn in a much larger toy.”

Members of the Stormont Assembly clashed over the protocol during today’s debate on the UK’s internal market bill, which threatens part of the deal with the EU.

The Assembly voted in favor of rejecting the internal market bill.

Lagan Valley Assembly Member Givan said interference with state aid rules and farm subsidies were other consequences of the protocol, which would keep Northern Ireland following EU rules if no deal is reached broader commercial.

Givan said: “The magnitude of this is not something the members across the street should comment lightly on.”

The bill seeks to ensure that trade between Northern Ireland and the rest of the United Kingdom remains unrestricted after the Brexit transition period later this year.

Martina Anderson, a member of the Sinn Féin Assembly, said it could have a severe impact on equality and human rights.

“There is a clear intent in this bill to prioritize the British domestic market over the future priorities of our power-sharing administration,” he said.

“This could have a particularly severe impact on equality, human rights and environmental protection in the North.

“The dreams of future generations cannot be crushed by the imposition of a conservative nightmare vision of the internal market.”

SDLP Assembly Member Matthew O’Toole proposed the Stormont debate.

He said: “Let it be clear that this Assembly rejects the Internal Market Bill, defends the principles that have underpinned our institutions and affirms the principle that the commitments made in peace agreements and international treaties should not be the plaything of demagogues” .

His motion expressed deep concerns about the UK government’s approach to negotiations and the terms of the bill.

O’Toole asked: “Does anyone think it is acceptable for our economy to be thrown into chaos by the end of the year amid the largest global health emergency in a century?”

He added: “This bill is another example of the impact that the central nervous system has suffered from the relationships and assumptions that underpinned the Agreement and remain critical to the functioning of our institutions and the broader set of relationships on these islands.”

Ulster Unionist leader Steve Aiken said Northern Ireland was being used as political football.