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

“The Ulster Unionist Party has always advocated for good relations between the UK, EU and specifically the Republic of Ireland. In fact, to deal with the protocol it is imperative that there is trust. That is why we as a party have kept negotiating with the EU, kept good relations with the Government of the Republic of Ireland and advocated on behalf of Northern Ireland with the US State Department. 

“It is clear over the last 24 months relationships and trust have become more than just frosty. 

“Therefore, if we are to deal with the unworkable protocol we must change our language. Steve Baker has offered an olive branch on behalf of the UK Government to the Irish Government and the EU which should be reciprocated.

“It is important that the EU and the Irish Government acknowledge they have not helped the situation either. By promoting false narratives and continuing with the clearly false line that the protocol protects the Belfast Agreement they have also damaged relations.

“To deal with the protocol and build future relationships to help Northern Ireland prosper we need trust. I ask everyone to double their efforts to deal with a protocol that simply does not work.”