UK and EU enter ‘final talks’ on Northern Ireland post-Brexit deal – how the day will unfold

Rishi Sunak and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will meet today for “final talks” about the Northern Ireland Protocol.

The prime minister and president are expected to meet late lunchtime in Berkshire to discuss the Brexit treaty, Downing Street said as it released details of the meeting.

Cabinet ministers will be updated on the talks in the afternoon.

If a final deal is agreed Mr Sunak and Ms von der Leyen will hold a short joint news conference in the late afternoon.

The prime minister will then deliver a statement to MPs in the House of Commons.

Downing Street said Mr Sunak “wants to ensure any deal fixes the practical problems on the ground, ensures trade flows freely within the whole of the UK, safeguards Northern Ireland’s place in our Union and returns sovereignty to the people of Northern Ireland.”

Read More:
Has Rishi Sunak got the politics right?
Why does the Protocol matter?
What the deal could look like

“Over the past few months, there have been intensive negotiations with the EU – run by British ministers – and positive, constructive progress has been made,” Downing Street said.

“There have been hundreds of hours of talks covering all issues at stake and talking from first principles – what works for Northern Ireland.”

Politics news – latest: NI minister gives thumbs-up outside No 10

In a joint statement released by Mr Sunak and Ms von der Leyen on Sunday, they “agreed to continue their work in person towards shared, practical solutions for the range of complex challenges around the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland”.

It comes after Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab told Sky News that Britain is “on the cusp of a deal” to resolve the long-running dispute.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Government ‘on the cusp’ of NI Brexit deal

Cancelled meeting with the King

Ms von der Leyen had been due to travel to the UK on Saturday to hold talks with Mr Sunak and meet the King at Windsor Castle, but the plans were scrapped.

Mr Sunak has said his government was “giving it everything” to strike a deal over the Protocol.

“There’s unfinished business on Brexit and I want to get the job done,” the prime minister told The Sunday Times, adding that he would work all weekend to nail down revised terms.

Politics

Products You May Like

Articles You May Like

The Best Historical Fiction of the 21st Century (So Far)
NCIS Season 22 Midseason Report Card: The Highs, the Lows, and the Mysteries!
Questlove to Direct New Documentary on Saturday Night Live Musical Guests
All The Facts In Morgan’s Mind
Vigilantes Anime Release Date Set for MHA Spin-off