“The challenge is in the approach taken by the two sides which prolongs uncertainty, promotes confrontation and seeks to drive a wedge between opinions in Northern Ireland when what we need is a functioning [Stormont] executive that is focused on helping those most affected by the cost of living crisis," he added.
Bryans also made the point that a local MLA (member of the legislative assembly) recently approached Richmond Wealth’s Holywood office and asked it to support a food bank nearby because they had seen a large increase in demand from working families in the area who cannot make ends meet.
“This is the real crisis that needs the attention of the politicians in Northern Ireland – how to help families who can’t afford to buy food, especially when this will be exacerbated by the schools finishing and school dinners stopping,” he said.
A source of tension since it came into force in 2021, the protocol has been designed to preserve the Northern Ireland peace deal - the Good Friday Agreement.
Opponents of the bill, including former prime minister Theresa May and the EU have said if passed the legislation would be a breach of international law.
Ireland’s foreign affairs minister, Simon Coveney also said the bill is a breach of international law and that it will damage the UK’s reputation describing it as “unnecessary UK unilateral action when partnership and compromise is on offer from the EU.”
The bill is expected to face tough opposition in the House of Lords, however none of the Tory leadership contenders — including former chancellor Rishi Sunak, trade minister Penny Mordaunt and foreign secretary Liz Truss — have committed to scrapping it.
jane.matthews@ft.com
