On both Thursday evening and yesterday morning I engaged with the Prime Minister and his officials on the progress in negotiations with the European Union around the NI Protocol.
There can be no disputing the significance of this moment. The negotiations between the United Kingdom and the European Union are only happening because of the decisive leadership this party has shown.
The next generation of Northern Ireland depends on the actions of the Prime Minister and the EU Commission President in the coming days.
Their actions will either lead to healing in Northern Ireland or perpetuate division.
Progress has been made in some areas and while that is welcome, in other key areas it currently falls short of what would be acceptable and required to meet our seven tests.
I have indicated to the Prime Minister that it is important he agrees the right deal rather than a rushed deal.
Solutions must be found which respect Northern Ireland’s place within the United Kingdom and its internal market and deal with the democratic deficit created by the Protocol.
