'Very real anger and tension' in unionist community at Northern Ireland Protocol

Secretary of state for Northern Ireland says there has not been enough of an understanding or acknowledgement from the EU around the impact that its actions have had on unionists

Secretary of state for Northern Ireland Brandon Lewis heaped praise on Taoiseach Micheál Martin whom he said has been "a very helpful, pragmatic, and sensible voice for the EU". Picture: Mark Marlow/PA Wire

The secretary of state for Northern Ireland has said the EU and the Irish Government have, at times, "understated" unionist anger towards the backstop protocol.

Brandon Lewis, speaking to the Irish Examiner, said there is "very, very real anger and tension" in the unionist community at a perceived loss of identity due to the introduction of the Northern Ireland Protocol — a mechanism to avoid a customs control border on the island.