Ian Paisley Jr., a Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) MP, has stated that the Windsor Framework will not prevent agri-food businesses in Northern Ireland from collapsing and that the differential treatment under the Brexit arrangement will impact the public’s psyche. According to Paisley, it is the responsibility of ministers in London to resolve Northern Ireland’s Brexit-related problems before the country can establish a functioning devolution government once again. He defended the DUP’s refusal to enter the power-sharing Northern Ireland Executive, stating that it was not out of spite but rather a result of their concern for the well-being of the country.
During an interview with NTD’s “British Thought Leaders” program, Paisley discussed the unique history of Northern Ireland and its relationship with Great Britain. He argued that under the current Brexit arrangement, Northern Ireland’s agri-food businesses will collapse, leading to an identity crisis in the country. The executive power in Northern Ireland is supposed to be shared between the DUP and Sinn Féin, but the executive collapsed in February 2022 due to disagreements over the Northern Ireland Protocol. The DUP has refused to participate in the new NI Assembly and executive unless the protocol’s impact on Northern Ireland is addressed by Westminster.
Paisley also highlighted the practical impacts of the differential treatment, such as the illegality of half of the veterinary medicines in Northern Ireland by the end of the year. This, he argued, would hinder the production of necessary foods for the rest of the UK and drive competitors to the south of Ireland. He emphasized the economic consequences, stating that if the agri-food and agri-veterinary medicine issues are not resolved, Northern Ireland’s agri-food business will collapse. Additionally, he shared the story of a constituent who could not bring horticultural products from England to their new house in Northern Ireland due to concerns about contamination.
Apart from the practical impacts, Paisley discussed how the differential treatment affects the psyche of Northern Ireland residents, making them feel less British. He highlighted the issue of identity, stating that while trade issues can be resolved, addressing the impact on identity is more challenging. He emphasized the need for the government to acknowledge the mistake and assure Northern Ireland that it is an integral part of the United Kingdom.
Paisley also spoke about Northern Ireland’s unique sense of Britishness, which he believes is stronger than in other parts of the UK due to the history of The Troubles. He stated that for unionists in Northern Ireland, their British identity is not a gift from England but something they determine themselves. He discussed the Good Friday Agreement, acknowledging that while it brought an end to republican bombings, it created a system of government that does not work.
Paisley criticized the more liberal policies imposed by London, such as the abortion law in Northern Ireland. He described it as incredible that the socially conservative Northern Ireland now has abortion rights up to the point of birth, surpassing the laws in Great Britain. He argued that the socially conservative views of Northern Ireland were not taken into account, and the liberal regime was inflicted upon the country as a form of punishment. He expressed his belief that abortion should not be tolerated as a form of birth control, encouraging young men and women to choose alternatives and consider adoption.