UUP Leader Doug Beattie MC MLA said:

“On medicines this looks to be a step in the right direction, and we look forward to studying the full detail of what is being proposed.  However, it is difficult not to reflect on the fact that this problem should not exist in the first place as medicines should not form part of the Protocol.  It is important that solutions are future-proofed for the long term. 

“We have met with UK and EU representations throughout this process to make sure our concerns were understood.  Just this week we met with Lord Frost twice and Maroš Šefčovič yesterday.  The changes we are seeing are testament to why the only way to ensure a replacement to the Protocol is through engagement.  We were told that the EU had reached their bottom line and any further changes to the Protocol were impossible.  But we have demonstrated that this is not the case and we will continue to negotiate for further changes on trade, the role of the European Court of Justice and the democratic deficit faced by Northern Ireland.    

“It will be through further negotiations, rather than threats, that the outstanding issues will be dealt with.”