DUP Leader Jeffrey Robinson believes there will be chances to use the Stormont Brake again, criticizing the government’s recent decisions.
Belfast: The DUP leader, Jeffrey Robinson, is not happy with the government’s choice to skip using the Stormont brake on new EU rules about chemical labeling. He thinks this was a big mistake.
Robinson argues that these new rules will raise costs for local manufacturers and create trade hurdles. Meanwhile, Northern Ireland’s First Minister, Michelle O’Neill, believes it’s time for everyone to work together on post-Brexit trade issues.
On Monday, Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn announced that the brake wouldn’t be activated over these updated EU regulations. Unionist parties had previously supported a motion to use the brake, but Benn said the conditions weren’t met.
Robinson expressed his disappointment, saying the government ignored evidence from industry experts. He feels the UK government should be more supportive of Northern Ireland.
He mentioned that while the government could have done more, the DUP’s push for the brake has at least started a conversation about maintaining the UK’s internal market.
Robinson reassured that they aren’t walking away from Stormont over this. He believes the process has been useful, even if the government hasn’t fully utilized it.
He also hinted that there will be more chances to use the Stormont brake in the future. O’Neill, when asked about the situation, emphasized the need for practical solutions.
She pointed out that the uncertainty stems from Northern Ireland being taken out of Europe against its will, and they need to face the consequences now.
Alliance Party’s Eoin Tennyson said the brake should only be used in special cases and that issues should be tackled early through talks between the UK and the EU.
Ulster Unionist MLA Steve Ailken criticized the brake for failing at its first test, saying it creates significant divergence from the UK market.
SDLP leader Matthew O’Toole called the brake a distraction from more pressing matters, urging the government to engage with the EU for a lasting solution.
TUV leader Jim Allister went further, saying the decision not to use the brake should lead to a breakdown of Stormont, calling it a slap in the face to democrats.
