The propaganda magazine UVF warns that the group can no longer contain the anger of young loyalists over the NI protocol

Earlier this year, the Loyalist Communities Council (LCC) warned that support for the truce would dwindle if problems at the Irish Sea border were not resolved.

It follows an earlier statement by the LCC, which represents the UDA, UVF and Red Hand Commando, that they are withdrawing support for the Good Friday Agreement.

It has been reported that plans for the protocol law have been put on hold while Prime Minister Rishi Sunak works with the EU to try and reach an agreement.

The journal article refers to the LCC statement, which warned of “dark consequences” regarding the protocol agreements.

It says: “How do you interpret this term? Our thoughts are since 1994 during times of civil unrest, including some of the worst days in Twaddell, amid numerous Republican bombings and gun attacks and countless murderous attacks on prison officials and members of the security forces, who have been able to keep loyalist leadership in check, causing a resurgence of widespread violence is effectively prevented.

“Fast forward to the present day, and with the upheaval caused by the Northern Ireland Protocol, it is an absolute fact that that influence is beginning to wane as young loyalists seek to explore other avenues to vent their anger at the subjugating Protocol .

“Therefore, it is crucial that those in power act now to prevent the spiraling (sic) situation from further deteriorating.”

On Monday, John McBurney, Commissioner for Independent Reporting, told a Westminster committee: “There is no doubt that groups on the loyalist side see Protocol as an issue that can create momentum and we could well do without that momentum .

“The way to do without it leads to a solution.”

The IRC was set up by the UK and Irish governments to oversee efforts to counter paramilitarism.

A report last week said such efforts should be redoubled to wipe these groups out of existence.

“It was heartening to see the protests in the streets being prioritized over political exchanges and ongoing efforts,” McBurney told MPs.

“But rest assured things can flare up again when a problem that seems unresolved and unsolvable then becomes such a frustration that it spills onto our streets.

“This must not happen.”

Earlier this year, the UVF staged a fake bomb attack on Irish Foreign Secretary Simon Coveney while he was attending a peace-building event in North Belfast.

In June, leading loyalist Winston Irvine was arrested and charged after a holdall containing guns and ammunition was found in the trunk of his car.

He was later released on bail.

The UVF retains a central leadership that has existed for several decades.

The Purple Standard article says the Good Friday Agreement, whose 25th anniversary falls in April next year, has been torn up.

“The Northern Ireland Protocol continues to pose an immense threat to every aspect of our daily lives,” it said.

“It threatens our economy. It threatens the NHS and the supply of essential medicines. It threatens our existence.

“So make no mistake that the Good Friday Agreement is in shambles.

“It’s safe to say that sooner or later something will give way, and as the PUP (Progressive Unionist Party) rightly says, unless the unions, and indeed the Union, mobilize to address the many, many critical issues, who know endangering our lives, then God knows what the future will bring”.