Speech by Arlene Foster MLA on the Irish backstop and what she wants from the new Prime Minister, Part Two.

The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) expressed concerns to the Prime Minister in December 2017 about the joint report, particularly paragraphs 49 and 50. Despite warnings, the Prime Minister proceeded, leading to the inclusion of the Irish Protocol in the Withdrawal Agreement. This backstop creates a permanent UK-EU Customs Union, which the DUP argues breaches promises made to protect the Union. The backstop's indefinite nature has been confirmed by legal opinions, and it introduces checks between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, threatening the Union's economic stability.

What concerns did the Democratic Unionist Party raise regarding the joint report in December 2017?

How did the Prime Minister respond to the concerns raised by the Democratic Unionist Party?

What is the significance of the backstop mentioned in the context of the Withdrawal Agreement?

What promises did the Prime Minister make regarding the Union, according to the Democratic Unionist Party?

Why do the Democratic Unionist Party members believe the backstop will damage the Union economically?