Unionists deal stance driven by self-interest

THE local unionist parties are being grossly irresponsible by refusing to back the Prime Minister’s Brexit deal.

This is a pragmatic deal, which honours the result of the referendum, while retaining close links with the EU.

The protocol is nothing more than an insurance policy intended to ensure that no hard border emerges on the island of Ireland.

It should never have to come into effect, as it will be supplanted by the new trade agreement to be negotiated by the UK and EU.

I accept that the EU will not readily relinquish the protocol, but that is precisely why we need to have a united front.

The deal is also an opportunity to begin to repair the damage done to community relations in Northern Ireland by this issue over the last two years. Indeed, disagreement over Brexit was partly why Stormont collapsed.

Unionists should be jumping at the chance to have agreement among all the local parties, as well as both national governments.

If they had concern for anything beyond their own narrow, electoral interests, maybe they would be. But it is clear that they are governed solely by self-interest.

History will judge them for this terrible error. All unionist voters should, too.

ADAM MOORE Belfast