Ulster Unionist Party leader, Doug Beattie MC MLA, said:

“I welcome the swift appointment of the Foreign Secretary Liz Truss MP as Lord Frost’s replacement. Major problems remain in regards to the Northern Ireland Protocol as we still await the detail of proposals to deal with medicines and other areas. Northern Ireland and its people need solutions which provide stability and address issues for the long term.

“I’ll be seeking an urgent meeting with the Foreign Secretary and Minister of State Chris Heaton-Harris MP. There is a need to focus on providing solutions to already well-defined issues which we believe are achievable at pace.

“Momentum is key, therefore we need a smooth transition from Lord Frost to Liz Truss MP with defined timelines to ensure these negotiations don’t drag on for months creating societal instability. We need the EU to engage with the Foreign Secretary and her officials in a genuine and meaningful way with pragmatism driving their exchanges.”