Edwin Poots warned over British government assurances on protocol changes Edwin Poots claimed he had received a personal assurance from Brandon Lewis that there would changes to the protocol 23 June, 2021 01:00 Lord Frost would not be drawn on private conversations between ministers and Edwin Poots. Picture by House of Commons/PA Wire OUTGOING DUP leader Edwin Poots has been warned not to heed "irresponsible promises" from the British government about significant changes to the Northern Ireland Protocol. The warning came after the agriculture minister claimed he had received a personal assurance from Secretary of State Brandon Lewis that there would be movement on the post-Brexit trade arrangements in July.