Prominent loyalist Jamie Bryson has called for political unionism and "all sections of loyalism" to unite in the fight against the Northern Ireland Protocol.
The north Down-based campaigner made the call at an anti-protocol rally in Co Fermanagh last night.
Organisers had expected up to 500 participants and supporters to attend a linked parade in Enniskillen.
Some unionists and loyalists are bitterly opposed to the protocol, which effectively created a border down the Irish Sea.
The anti-protocol event was the first to take place in recent weeks and was also expected to be addressed by TUV leader Jim Allister.
Mr Bryson said it is time for those of differing views to come together.
"Now is the time, when the union is in its greatest ever peril, for all strands of unionism and loyalism to come together," he said.
"There is naturally moral, social and ideological differences between various strands of unionism and loyalism, however we are all united by an unshakeable commitment to the defence of our place within the United Kingdom."
He said political unionism has attacked loyalism in the past.
"This message is especially directed at political unionism who have too often treated loyalism as an underclass, and when all and sundry have joined in to attack loyalism, at times political unionism joined in," he said.
"But now is the time to put all those differences aside."
When asked last night if this included paramilitary groups Mr Bryson said: "People will draw whatever inferences they will from what I have said and that's a matter for them.
"However, my words are very clear and people should be able to understand them when I say all sections of loyalism, I plainly mean all sections of loyalism."
Addressing the rally he also said the protocol presented a huge threat.
"In regards the protocol - it stands as the greatest threat to the Union we will ever see and flows directly from the Belfast Agreement," he said.
"I have seen banners carried at previous protests saying that it is peace or the protocol, but it can never be both.
"I for obvious reasons offer no endorsement nor repudiation of the implication flowing from that sentiment.
"However, applying the standard set by rewarding nationalism’s threat of violence, it’s hard to see the logic as anything other than impeccable."
Mr Bryson added that unionists must "stand together".
"If we meekly cower away now, then the Union is finished," he said.
"The longer political unionism operates the Belfast Agreement then the tighter the noose gets around our own necks.
"Whatever the cost may be, it’s time to say enough is enough.
"But it is no good that being said with zeal but implemented in a half hearted manner.
"Nor is it beneficial for unionism to be fractured or divided.
"We must all stand together."
