Allister launches blistering attack on Protocol, Stormont and political rivals

Jim Allister MP takes to the platform at the TUV’s annual conference in Cookstown

Traditional Unionist Voice leader Jim Allister has delivered a scathing and wide-ranging critique of the Northern Ireland political landscape, warning that the region is being “sleepwalked out of the United Kingdom” under the current system.

In a combative conference speech, Allister targeted the Windsor Framework, Stormont’s functioning, rival unionist parties, and the UK Government—framing the next year as a decisive moment for unionism’s future.

“Sleepwalking out of the UK”

At the heart of his address was a renewed attack on post-Brexit arrangements, which he described as fundamentally undermining Northern Ireland’s place within the UK.

He claimed the Protocol and its successors had already shifted trade and economic alignment towards the Republic of Ireland, citing official statistics showing cross-border trade growing significantly faster than trade with Great Britain.

“All building Irish unity before our eyes,” he said, arguing that the Irish Sea border had effectively redrawn the constitutional and economic map.

He added: “Leave the Protocol and the dopes in Stormont in place and we will be sleepwalked out of the United Kingdom.”

Criticism of Westminster and Brexit direction

Allister also accused the current UK Government of weakening Brexit, claiming it was “unstitching” the project by aligning too closely with EU rules.

He criticised unionist MPs who abstained on a Commons proposal linked to the EU Customs Union, suggesting it allowed unwanted policies to pass.

“The future for GB or NI must not lie in subjecting us to laws we don’t make and can’t change,” he said.

He called for “full restoration” of Northern Ireland’s place in the UK and an end to what he described as governance influenced by “foreign laws”.

Stormont branded “dysfunctionalism on stilts”

Turning to devolved government, Allister painted a bleak picture of Stormont’s effectiveness, accusing the Executive of failing to deliver for the public.

He highlighted unspent funding intended to support energy consumers and criticised agricultural and environmental policies, including handling of bovine TB and ammonia regulations.

“When given £81m and another £17m to help hard pressed energy consumers, the Executive can’t get it out the door,” he said.

He also took aim at broader governance, describing the Assembly as “the legislative assembly that doesn’t legislate – apart for their own salary rise.”

Sharp attacks on rival parties

The speech featured pointed criticism of multiple parties across the political spectrum.

Alliance was described as “thin skinned” and part of what he called a failing Executive, while Sinn Féin was accused of pursuing an all-Ireland agenda at the expense of Northern Ireland.

He claimed the party was “not in government to make NI work – quite the reverse,” and criticised its positions on legacy issues, language policy and public spending priorities.

The DUP also came under fire, with Allister accusing it of enabling Sinn Féin in government and failing to stand firm against the Protocol.

“The DUP are the enablers; SF are the implementers,” he said.

Cultural and social issues raised

Beyond constitutional matters, Allister called for what he described as “moral clarity” from government on gender issues and criticised policies relating to immigration and net zero.

He argued for stricter immigration controls and warned that current levels were placing pressure on public services.

On energy policy, he criticised what he termed “net zero madness”, suggesting the UK should make greater use of its own oil and gas resources.

Call for unionist unity – on his terms

Despite the broadside against other unionist parties, Allister ended with a call for unity—though rooted firmly in opposition to the Protocol.

“Unionism should be united on these issues,” he said, adding that his party would work with others but not support policies it believes are damaging Northern Ireland.

He framed the coming year as a critical opportunity to reshape unionism, with a clear dividing line between those willing to implement current arrangements and those determined to resist them.

“The overriding choice for unionism is implementing or resisting the Union-dismantling Protocol,” he said.

At a glance

• Jim Allister delivered a hard-hitting speech at his party conference

• He warned Northern Ireland is being “sleepwalked out of the UK”

• The Protocol and Windsor Framework were central targets of criticism

• He claimed trade is shifting towards the Republic of Ireland

• Stormont was described as ineffective and unable to deliver for citizens

• Rival parties including Sinn Féin, DUP and Alliance were heavily criticised

• He raised concerns on immigration, energy policy and gender issues

• Called for restoration of UK sovereignty over Northern Ireland laws

• Urged unionist unity based on opposition to the Protocol

• Framed the next year as a decisive moment for unionism’s future