Sir Jeffrey Donaldson: New DUP chief says Brexit protocol hampers economic opportunities for Northern Ireland | UK News

The new DUP chief says Northern Ireland risks losing economic opportunities due to the Brexit border in the Irish Sea.

In his first television interview since take the jobSir Jeffrey Donaldson told Sky News the Prime Minister must restore Northern Ireland’s place in the UK, both economically and constitutionally.

The Northern Ireland Protocol, agreed between the UK and the EU, established a trade border in the Irish Sea to avoid any need for a border on the island of Ireland.

Sir Jeffrey said: “I think there are opportunities for the future, but we cannot access those opportunities because of these unnecessary obstacles.

“Much of our supply chain comes from Great Britain, whether you are a consumer buying products from the supermarket or a business that relies on components for its manufacturing process.

“We have to solve this supply chain problem, we have to restore Northern Ireland’s place within the UK, both in the market and constitutionally.

“If we can do it, then yes, we will see the opportunities that arise, provided that we can find practical solutions on trade with the EU,” he added.

Sir Jeffrey is the third DUP leader in three months, after the ousting Arlene Foster in May and Edwin Poots, which only survived 21 days in the post.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

With the DUP under pressure from loyalists protesting against the Irish Sea border, he said removing the protocol was the only way to a stable decentralized government.

The Lagan Valley MP, who is expected to leave Westminster to become Prime Minister of Northern Ireland, is also calling for a process to address the legacy of The Troubles.

Two other historic lawsuits collapsed in Northern Ireland on Friday, including that of ‘Soldier F’ who had been …