DUP: no return to Stormont until treaty has been rewritten

THE DUP yesterday warned it would not give into “blackmail” and return to Stormont until the Government’s bill to tear up the Northern Ireland Protocol was passed by parliament.

Unionists are reportedly under pressure from Downing Street to drop the boycott of the Northern Ireland Assembly now that the controversial legislation has been published.

Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, the DUP leader, denied that was the case. “I am not under any pressure. We have strong support from across unionism for the stand that we are taking,” he said.

“I believe that our pressure has brought about what we see today with this Bill being published.”

Sammy Wilson, the party’s Brexit spokesman, added: “We have said we will make our assessment of this legislation as it goes through, but I think, when it comes to good faith, the people who need to demonstrate good faith are the Government.

“I think it would be very foolish to try and engage in that kind of blackmail,” he said in response to the British call to return to power-sharing.

The DUP has refused to reform the devolved government until it is satisfied that the part of the Brexit treaty that created the Irish Sea border has been removed or replaced.

The Government has reportedly told the DUP that returning to Stormont after the May 5 elections would demonstrate to the EU and US that the British Bill can fix the issues with the Protocol.

Sir Jeffrey described the bill as a “welcome step” but warned potential Tory rebels not to twist the knife into Boris Johnson and risk prolonging the paralysis in Belfast.

The Prime Minister was left weakened after 40 per cent of his MPS voted against him in a vote of confidence in his leadership last week.

“Those MPS on all sides of the House who are minded to vote against the bill, would do well to remember they are playing with stability in Northern Ireland and delaying the restoration of political balance,” Sir Jeffrey said.