DUP Leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson used a visit to Fermanagh South Tyrone to claim that "the [Northern Ireland] Protocol is undermining progress".

Sir Jeffrey was speaking as he attended the opening of Fermanagh South Tyrone MLA Deborah Erskine's new office.

He was welcomed to the constituency by Mrs. Erskine, her team and local DUP councillors.

Speaking to the press, the DUP leader said: “Day and daily, the pain and damage inflicted by the [NI] Protocol is being felt in every corner of, and by every community, in Northern Ireland.

"The Protocol is costing our economy £2.5 million each and every day - money which I want to see invested in delivering a stronger economy and improving vital public services.

"Important progress in removing the Irish Sea border has been made through the endeavours of those who value economic and political stability."

He continued: "The EU has been forced to abandon their age-old mantra that the Protocol was not open for re-negotiation, and has returned to the talks table, whilst the demands for rigorous implementation from the Protocol cheerleaders here in Northern Ireland have long since come to an end.

"However, these talks cannot drag on interminably, and must be brought to a head.

"The political, economic and societal difficulties caused by the Protocol cannot be sustained.

"The [Westminster] government acknowledged this in its Command Paper last July but, to date, have failed to intervene to prevent this harm."

Impartial Reporter: Pictured at the opening of the new DUP office in Enniskillen are front from left, Sir Jeffery Donaldson, MP and Deborah Erskine, MLA. Back from left, Councillor Paul Stevenson, Erne North; Councillor Paul Robinson, andErne East; Bert Johnston, Former Councillor and Councillor Keith Elliott, Enniskillen.Pictured at the opening of the new DUP office in Enniskillen are front from left, Sir Jeffery Donaldson, MP and Deborah Erskine, MLA. Back from left, Councillor Paul Stevenson, Erne North; Councillor Paul Robinson, andErne East; Bert Johnston, Former Councillor and Councillor Keith Elliott, Enniskillen.

Sir Jeffrey will meet with British government representatives next week.

He said: Next week, I will be meeting with the Foreign Secretary and making clear that a definitive timeline for an outcome of the current negotiations must be set.

"Northern Ireland’s place within the Internal Market of the United Kingdom must be restored swiftly, in line with the key commitment made in the New Decade New Approach Agreement, either through the current talks process or through uniliteral action by HM Government.

"Only by dealing with the Protocol and ending the division can we truly focus on building a better and brighter Northern Ireland for all of our people.

"The people of Northern Ireland will soon have the opportunity to affirm their support for moving forward, the opportunity to reject the divisive politics of a Border poll, and to support our vision for a Northern Ireland fit for its new century.”

See below for full press conference from Enniskillen.