Sammy Wilson: UK Government "Spineless" and "Brexit-Betraying" in the New Deal
In a fiery exchange in the House of Commons, Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) MP Sammy Wilson did not mince words as he labeled the UK government's powersharing deal as "spineless" and "brexit-betraying." The remarks came following the unveiling of what Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris hailed as the "right" deal to restore powersharing at Stormont.
Heaton-Harris outlined that under the new plans, EU law alignment would no longer automatically apply, and legislation would be passed to reaffirm Northern Ireland's constitutional status. The Secretary of State praised DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson for his commitment to the union and work during the negotiations.
However, Wilson's discontent was evident as he addressed the House, stating, "When the Northern Ireland assembly sits, ministers and assembly members will be expected by law to adhere to and implement laws that are made in Brussels, which they have no say over, no ability to amend, and no ability to stop. This is a result of this spineless, weak-kneed, Brexit-betraying government refusing to take on the EU and its interference in Northern Ireland."
He continued to express concerns about the impact on Northern Ireland's ability to stay tied to the United Kingdom, raising questions about the government's willingness to change laws regardless of their impact on the region.
Heaton-Harris responded, asserting that the agreed package of measures would not change the freedoms and powers secured through Brexit, emphasizing the commitment to diverge if it serves the interests of the United Kingdom.
Other members of Parliament shared differing views on the deal. Labour's shadow Northern Ireland secretary Hilary Benn hailed it as a "great achievement," while DUP deputy leader Gavin Robinson described it as turning the impossible into the possible.
Conservative former minister Theresa Villiers and MP Sir William Cash raised questions about the influence of EU laws on Northern Ireland. Villiers emphasized the need to continue dialogue with the EU to restore democratic control over law-making, while Cash queried the steps taken to remove or veto the imposition of EU laws on Northern Ireland.
Despite varying opinions, the government assured that the assembly would have a powerful "democratic safeguard" concerning EU laws. As discussions unfold, the political landscape in Northern Ireland remains tense, with MPs expressing concerns about the limited time available for thorough debate on the deal's commitments in the Commons.
