Labour calls on Prime Minister to show leadership and lower tension over Northern Ireland Protocol

The Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has warned the Prime Minister’s decision to unilaterally suspended part of his own agreement has only “provoked further instability.”

Calling for “lasting solutions that will lower tension” Labour has urged the Prime Minister to convene talks with all parties to the protocol, and all political parties in Northern Ireland to ensure the voice of communities is heard loud and clear.

Yesterday, the Loyalist Communities Council wrote to the Prime Minister withdrawing their support for the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement.

Louise Haigh MP, Labour’s Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, said:

“Northern Ireland faces real challenges as a result of the Prime Minister’s deal, but they must be addressed through political leadership.

“The Prime Minister must take personal responsibility for finding lasting solutions that lower tension and make the protocol work. Unilaterally undermining his own agreement has only provoked further instability.

“He should show leadership and hold urgent talks with all parties to the protocol, and Northern Ireland’s political parties, to ensure the voice of all communities is being heard loud and clear.

“The Belfast/Good Friday Agreement is the basis on which communities have lived in peace for two decades. It has endured because cooperation is the only way – that must be the focus.”