NI Protocol: Booed DUP MP hits back over 'shows of disunity'

Mr Wilson, seen here with Moore Holmes and Jim Allister, said "people were craving unionist unity in opposition" to the protocol

Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) MP Sammy Wilson has accused some within loyalism of trying to manufacture disunity.

Mr Wilson said such "shows of disunity" would "hearten Brussels" and undermine the unionist cause.

He was speaking after he was booed at a demonstration against the Northern Ireland Protocol on Friday night.

Several thousand people attended the event when 25 flute and accordion bands paraded through Markethill.

Mr Wilson was heckled and repeatedly interrupted as he tried to address the crowd in the County Armagh village.

TUV leader Jim Allister intervened to appeal for quiet.

"You'll get your opportunity at the polls to express yourself, but tonight it's important that we listen to all unionist voices," Mr Allister told the crowd.

However speaking today, Mr Wilson said some people within loyalism were "intent on manufacturing disunity where none exists".

He also criticised the TUV leader.

"Whilst Jim Allister appealed for respect, it came after he spent 10 minutes on the platform whipping up an anti-DUP sentiment in a blatant act of electioneering," he said.

"Whilst Sir Jeffrey has sought to work with every hue of unionism, whether he always agrees with them or not, to get a united front and common cause against the protocol, it seems Jim is only interested in using the protocol to promote his and his party's narrow electoral interests."

Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV) leader, Jim Allister, also spoke at the protest

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Mr Allister responded by asking how personal attacks on him helped the DUP's stance against the protocol.

"TUV is not responsible for the public perception of DUP's protocol stance, especially after foolish talk about 'the best of both worlds', he added.

"The public has no problem understanding TUV's unwavering stand against the Union-dismantling protocol."

The protocol is a special Brexit deal for Northern Ireland designed to prevent the return of a hard land border with the Republic of Ireland.

It was agreed between the UK government and the EU in 2019 and came into force in January 2021. It led to new checks and paperwork for certain goods which are imported into Northern Ireland from Great Britain.

Many unionists strongly oppose the protocol as it created a trade border in the Irish Sea. They argue that it creates additional costs for businesses and undermines Northern Ireland's place in the UK.

The protest took place during Storm Eunice in Markethill

On Friday morning, BBC Radio Ulster's Nolan Show reported that senior DUP figures had told the programme that the party was willing to consider a "best of both worlds scenario" with Northern Ireland having access to both the UK and EU markets.

However, DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson tweeted that the party's continued opposition to the protocol was not in question.

"Our seven tests are and will be the basis for judging any alternative arrangements that may replace the protocol," he added.

Earlier this month, the issue led to the collapse of the Northern Ireland Executive, the group of ministers who run Stormont's devolved government.

The DUP's Paul Givan resigned as first minister of Northern Ireland over the protocol on 4 February, which meant the executive can no longer meet to take any significant decisions.