Political chaos has broken out in Northern Ireland this morning as the First Minister, Paul Givan, is set to resign. The BBC notes that due to the country’s power-sharing agreements, the move would mean Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill’s would also have to stand down. It’s not clear whether Givan will step down immediately or announce his intention to resign at a future date.
The move follows yesterday evening’s decision by minister Edwin Poots to halt Irish Sea border checks in spite of the Brexit agreement protocol. British agricultural and food exports to Northern Ireland ceased from Midnight, checks that supposedly prevent a hard border between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Brandon Lewis confirmed the Government will not intervene…
“This is a matter for the Northern Ireland Executive”
— Peston (@itvpeston) February 2, 2022
NI Secretary @BrandonLewis says the UK government won’t interfere with the DUP’s decision to halt Irish Sea border checks.
💻 𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝟵𝗣𝗠 @itvpeston
#Peston pic.twitter.com/6atKSBVnJd
Last night deputy First Minister O’Neill branded the decision unlawful. The move by Givan is part of the DUP’s ongoing protest against the protocol. Stay tuned…
20 days after his appointment, Edwin Poots has resigned. He will remain in post until successor is appointed
His statement in full:
“I have asked the Party Chairman to commence an electoral process within the Party to allow for a new leader of the Democratic Unionist Party to be elected.
The Party has asked me to remain in post until my successor is elected.
This has been a difficult period for the Party and the country and I have conveyed to the Chairman my determination to do everything I can to ensure both Unionism and Northern Ireland is able to move forward to a stronger place.”
While Stormont and the DUP go into meltdown yet again, Arlene’s having a lovely political retirement:
“Just had a lovely lunch @DeanesAtQueens with a good friend. It’s great hospitality is open again- Hope everyone is having a great day this lovely sunny afternoon.”
