Live BlogLAST UPDATE | 27 Feb 2023
THE EU AND the UK have struck a deal to revise the Northern Ireland Protocol arrangement, possibly ending one of Brexit’s most vexing puzzles.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen appeared together in Windsor this afternoon to copper-fasten the agreement.
Von der Leyen then met with Britain’s King Charles. This meeting, approved by Downing Street, has raised the ire of some Tories and unionists.
DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson has said that “significant progress” has been made in the new Northern Ireland Protocol deal, but said that “there remain key issues of concern”. The DUP has, to date, been boycotting Stormont over the Protocol.
That’s all from us on the liveblog this evening. Thanks for sticking with our coverage throughout the day.
If you’re just catching up on the news of the day now, this will be of use:
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar this evening said the Windsor Framework was reached today as trust had been built upon and Europe made concessions.
Responding to Donaldson in the Commons, Sunak has said he believes the agreement secures Northern Ireland’s place in the United Kingdom.
He referenced concerns some in the unionist community had with the protocol, and said: “I believe very strongly that the Windsor Framework does resolve those issues.
“But I appreciate that the right honourable gentleman and his party and other unionist communities will want to take the time to consider the detail.
“And I respect that, and we will give them the time and the space to consider that, and stand ready to answer any questions and provide any clarifications.”
He added: “I believe that this agreement … does ensure the free flow of trade within our United Kingdom internal market, including unfettered access for Northern Ireland producers to the rest of the United Kingdom. I do believe it secures Northern Ireland’s place in the Union.”
Sunak said: “It ensures and safeguards sovereignty for the people of Northern Ireland.”
Jeffrey Donaldson has sought an assurance in the Commons that the application of EU law would not put barriers in the way of trading with the rest of the UK.
“Ultimately, my party will now assess all these proposed outcomes and arrangements against our seven tests,” he said, adding “and whether it respects and restores Northern Ireland’s place within the United Kingdom.”
Donaldson told the Commons: “Our judgment and principal position in opposing the protocol in Parliament and at Stormont, I believe has been vindicated.
He said: “Undoubtedly it is now recognised that the protocol does not work. And when others said there could be no renegotiation and no change, it was our determination that has proven what can be achieved.”
He added: “In broad terms, it is clear that significant progress has been secured across a number of areas, whilst also recognising that there remain key issues of concern.
“There can be no disguising the fact, for example, that in some sectors of our economy in Northern Ireland EU law remains applicable in our part of the United Kingdom.”
He said his party would want to “study the detail” of what has been published as well as examining “the legal text, the political declaration and the Government’s command paper”.
He added: “Where necessary we stand ready to engage with the Government in order to seek further clarification, reworking or change as required.”
Addressing the House of Commons, DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson says his party’s opposition to the protocol has been vindicated.
“It is clear that significant progress has been secured across a number of areas while also recognising there remain key issues of concern.”
Donaldson says the DUP will analyse the deal to determine whether it meets the party’s seven tests.
Downing Street said it would not be helpful to speculate on the restoration of Stormont, after the agreement of the Windsor Framework.
“I don’t think it would be helpful for us to start speculating on the restoration of the executive at this point. I think that first and foremost that is a question for them,” the Prime Minister’s official spokesman said.
“There is now an important choice for all parties in Northern Ireland, given we feel this creates the right conditions, but obviously it is a question for them.”
Downing Street said not all elements of the deal require Stormont to be sitting to be implemented.
“I have been clear for some time that if the Prime Minister were to get agreement with the EU and if that agreement is in the interests of this country and Northern Ireland, then Labour would support it,” Starmer says.
“And we will stick to our word. We will not snipe. We will not seek to play political games.”
Labour will support the deal if it is put to a vote, Starmer confirms.
“The protocol will never be perfect. It is a compromise.
“But I have always been clear that, if implemented correctly, it is an arrangement that can work in the spirit of the Good Friday Agreement.
“And that now it has been agreed, we all have an obligation to make it work.”
Labour leader Keir Starmer is now addressing the House of Commons.
The ban on British sausages entering Northern Ireland from Great Britain has been scrapped thanks to the Windsor Framework, Sunak told MPs in the Commons.
He said if the Northern Ireland Protocol was implemented in full, “we would see supermarket lorries needing hundreds of certificates for every individual item, every single document checked, supermarket staples like sausages banned altogether”.
“More delays, more cost, less choice. So today’s agreement fixes all this with a new, permanent legally binding approach to food.”
The Prime Minister later added: “Under the protocol, retail food products made to UK standards could not be sold in Northern Ireland. Today’s agreement completely changes that. This means the ban on British products like sausages entering Northern Ireland has now been scrapped.
“If it’s available on supermarket shelves in Great Britain, then it will be available on supermarket shelves in Northern Ireland.”
Spontaneous laughter erupts in the Commons as Prime Minister Rishi Sunak pays tribute to his predecessors for "laying the foundation for today's agreement" between the UK and the EU.
— Sky News (@SkyNews) February 27, 2023
Politics live: https://t.co/WUnquWvHqf
📺 Sky 501, Virgin 602, Freeview 233 and YouTube pic.twitter.com/dpgoHY0eHR
Sunak faced down laughter in the Commons as he opened his speech by paying tribute to his predecessors.
Rishi Sunak told MPs: “I pay tribute to our European friends for recognising the need for change, particularly President (Ursula) von der Leyen, my predecessors for laying the groundwork for today’s agreement…”
The British Prime Minister was then interrupted by laughter from the opposition benches, as one Labour MP could be heard shouting: “Where’s Boris?”
Sunak continued: “And my friends the foreign and Northern Ireland secretaries for their perseverance in finally persuading the EU to do what it spent years refusing to do, to rewrite the treaty and replace it with a radical, legally binding new framework.”
Sunak told the Commons that the Windsor Framework “permanently removes the border in the Irish Sea”.
“The commitment to establish the green lane is achieved by a legally binding amendment to the text of the treaty itself. This is fundamental, far-reaching change and it permanently removes the border in the Irish Sea,” Sunak said.
Laying out some of the detail in the deal on border checks, Sunak said: “The only checks will be those required to stop smugglers and criminals and our new green lane will be open to a broad, comprehensive range of businesses across the United Kingdom.
“I am pleased to say we have also permanently protected tariff-free movement of all types of steel into Northern Ireland, and for goods going the other way from Northern Ireland to Great Britain we have scrapped export declarations, delivering finally completely unfettered trade.”
Back to Rishi Sunak in the House of Commons.
“After weeks of negotiations, today we have made a decisive breakthrough. The Windsor Framework delivers free-flowing trade within the whole UK,” Sunak told MPs.
“It protects Northern Ireland’s place in our Union and it safeguards sovereignty for the people of Northern Ireland. By achieving all this it preserves the delicate balance inherent in the Belfast Good Friday Agreement.
“It does what many said could not be done, removing thousands of pages of EU laws, and making permanent legally binding changes to the protocol treaty itself. That is the breakthrough we have made, those are the changes we will deliver and now is the time to move forward as one United Kingdom.”
Sunak was cheered by his own backbenchers on entering the chamber, with some waving order papers.
When asked what was difference about Sunak’s handling of negotiations compared to his predecessors, Varadkar said that “a lot of trust” has been build up betwen Ursula von der Leyen and the British Prime Minister.
He added “the fact that things were done very quietly behind the scenes and negotiations were kept confidential” made a difference.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar says he appreciates that some people will need time to give careful consideration to the Windsor framework.
“I hope that when they do, they’ll be able to give it their full support and that it will lead to an early restoration of the assembly and executive.”
“I firmly believe that the people in Northern Ireland don’t want to return to the divisions of the past. They want to make progress together. They want a shared future,” the Taoiseach says.
“Like people everywhere, they want political institutions to sort out the issues that matter most in their daily lives. The state of the health service, cost of living crisis, housing and the economy.”
Varadkar says the deal, if implemented, will bring “stability and certainty to a situation that has been in flux” since the UK voted to leave the EU.
Varadkar says there is “no doubt that Brexit has been disruptive to the lives of people on these islands, especially so in Northern Ireland”.
“While the protocol exists to minimise that disruption, to prevent a hard border between North and South and to ensure free movement and free trade between North and South, its operation has resulted in some problems for businesses and citizens in Northern Ireland. And it has made trade between Britain and Northern Ireland, more complicated there needs to be,” he says.
“Today’s agreement provides solutions, solutions that are … workable and durable.”
“Today’s announcement is a positive outcome in negotiations on the protocol between the European Union and the United Kingdom and it is most welcome,” Varadkar says.
“It is a result of long and long protracted process to find joint solutions. And I pay tribute to both teams who’ve worked very hard in good faith to bring us to this point,” he says.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is speaking outside Government Buildings now.
We’ll provide updates on this first and then return to the developments in the House of Commons.
Rishi Sunak has begun addressing the House of Commons.
Rishi Sunak told his Cabinet in a virtual meeting that he believes “with his head and his heart” that the Windsor Framework is a “good deal for everyone in Northern Ireland”.
The British Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “The Prime Minister said the Government had achieved something very special with the Windsor Framework.
“He said they had secured what many said was impossible, making legally binding changes to the protocol treaty itself.
“The Prime Minister concluded Cabinet by saying the protocol had been causing significant problems for communities and businesses and that he passionately believed with his head and his heart that the new agreement was a good deal for everyone in Northern Ireland.”
Former First Minister of Northern Ireland Ian Paisley has accused Sunak of overpromising and underdelivering with the Windsor Framework, Sky News is reporting.
Paisley has reportedly said the deal “doesn’t go far enough”, adding he is unhappy about the role of the European Court of Justice in Northern Irish law.
“Today is about preserving the delicate balance of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement and charting a new way forward for the people of Northern Ireland,” Sunak has tweeted.
Agreement signed.
— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) February 27, 2023
Today is about preserving the delicate balance of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement and charting a new way forward for the people of Northern Ireland.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is set to address the House of Commons at around 6.30pm.
Some further reaction from DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson on the deal – he says there are still some areas of concern that have to be looked at.
Responding to the new Windsor Framework, leader of the DUP Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP says there are still some issues of concern that still need to be looked at.https://t.co/PAiZ4D1jU3
— Sky News (@SkyNews) February 27, 2023
📺 Sky 501, Virgin 602, Freeview 233 and YouTube pic.twitter.com/SQF7ln0sDG
Alliance leader Naomi Long has said she would like to examine the details of the deal.
“We’ve been very clear from the beginning what our expectations would be, we would want to still maintain dual market access, that’s important for businesses in Northern Ireland,” she said.
“We also want to see a reduction in the amount of bureaucracy that the protocol creates, particularly for those who are importing goods from GB into Northern Ireland.
“We’re also looking for stability because businesses are telling us very clearly that what they want are stable outcomes.
“If we have that stability and clarity, and we maintain dual market access but with a reduction in bureaucracy, then I think that that’s a good deal.”
For those who are just catching up on the news, let’s take another quick look at the main points in the new deal…
Green lane / Red lane
Anything destined for Northern Ireland will travel there as part of a “green lane”, with significantly fewer checks. Anything that could cross the border and enter the EU’s single market will travel through a separate red lane.
Sunak said that the changes to the protocol will scale back the number of certificates required for traders moving goods from Great Britain to Northern Ireland, with customs paperwork removed too for people sending parcels or buying goods online.
He indicated changes to the movement of food too, claiming that anything made to UK rules will now be clear to be “sent to and sold” in NI. That will include sausages, one of the foodstuffs hit by protocol changes and which grabbed the attention of politicians in Belfast and Westminster alike.
VAT
The legal text of the protocol has also been amended on VAT. Under current arrangements, EU VAT and excise rules for goods generally apply in Northern Ireland.
Sunak said that would now change, with the legal text of the protocol amended to allow the UK Government to “make critical VAT and excise changes for the whole of the UK”.
Medicine
There will be a “landmark” settlement on medicines. Drugs approved for use by the UK’s medicines regulator will be automatically available in all pharmacies and hospitals in the North.
Stormont brake
There will now be a “Stormont brake”.
This allows the Northern Ireland Assembly to flag concerns about changes to EU rules that would have a “significant and lasting” effect.
He said that if pulled, the UK Government will have a “veto”.
The meeting between King Charles III and Ursula von der Leyen has raised some eyebrows about the monarch’s intrusion into politics.
British royal commentator Peter Hunt said of the meeting between the British King and von der Leyen: “This is a very serious error of judgment by King Charles and his advisers.”
The former BBC royal correspondent tweeted: “He’s abandoned his unifying role and entered the political fray, in a foolish bid to be seen as statesmanlike.
“History won’t be kind. Someone’s head will roll.”
This is a very serious error of judgement by King Charles and his advisors.
— Peter Hunt (@_PeterHunt) February 27, 2023
He’s abandoned his unifying role and entered the political fray, in a foolish bid to be seen as statesmanlike.
History won’t be kind. Someone’s head will roll. pic.twitter.com/NSyaltTFE6
DUP reaction
In a statement issued this afternoon, DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson has said that “significant progress” has been made in the new Northern Ireland Protocol deal, but said that “there remain key issues of concern”.
Donaldson said:
“We welcome the publication of the outcome of the [UK] Government’s negotiations with the EU which ends a period of speculation and spin, often from those who know little about Northern Ireland.
“In broad terms it is clear that significant progress has been secured across a number of areas whilst also recognising there remain key issues of concern. There can be no disguising the fact that in some sectors of our economy EU law remains applicable in Northern Ireland.
“The DUP will want to study the detail of what has been published today as well as examining the detail of any and all underpinning legal texts. Where necessary we stand ready to engage with the Government in order to seek further clarification, re-working or change as required.
“Ultimately the party will now assess all these proposed outcomes and arrangements against our seven tests, outlined in our 2022 Assembly Election Manifesto, to determine whether what has been published meet our tests and whether it respects and restores Northern Ireland’s place within the United Kingdom.”
King Charles III has welcomed European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen to Windsor Castle.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has welcomed “the positive outcome” of the EU-UK negotiations on the Northern Ireland Protocol.
“It is the result of a long and difficult process to find joint solutions,” he tweeted.
“I pay tribute to both teams who have worked hard and in good faith to bring us to this point. I also want to recognise the Northern Irish parties for their constructive engagement.”
I pay tribute to both teams who have worked hard and in good faith to bring us to this point. I also want to recognise the Northern Irish parties for their constructive engagement.
— Leo Varadkar (@LeoVaradkar) February 27, 2023
SDLP leader Colum Eastwood is urging political leaders to approach the terms of the deal in good faith and with a determination to restore the democratic institutions in Northern Ireland.
In a statement this afternoon, he said:
“My appeal to political leaders is to approach this moment in good faith and with a common determination to restore our Assembly and Executive. People have been badly let down with no government for far too long. It is time to abandon the politics of division and deadlock.
“To those intent on intervening in this process to bolster their own political position I would say this – do not attempt to wreck this deal, to demolish the hope of a resolution that serves the people of Northern Ireland. Do not let fragile egos inflict further damage to our fragile settlement.
“The SDLP will approach this deal in good faith determined to get to work.”
Rishi Sunak has scrapped Boris Johnson’s controversial Northern Ireland Protocol Bill and the EU has dropped its legal actions launched against the UK.
The UK Government’s command paper on the new post-Brexit deal says the previous concerns have now been addressed.
“The Government will therefore not be proceeding with the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill,” it reads.
“In turn, the EU will not proceed with the seven separate legal actions it has launched against the United Kingdom – on issues from parcels to pets – reflecting the shared desire for a positive bilateral relationship now and into the future.”
Windsor Framework
According to the Windsor Framework command paper, just published on the UK Government website, the so-called Stormont brake “will apply to new or amended EU goods rules that would have a significant impact on the day-to-day lives of businesses and citizens”.
The brake will work along the same lines as the cross-community mechanisms already in place in Stormont.
The document says: “Once pulled, that Brake will give the UK Government the sovereign power to veto the new EU rule from ever applying in Northern Ireland. That veto can only be challenged through independent arbitration mechanisms, not the ECJ – removing the ultimate authority of the ECJ in areas in which it would affect day-to-day lives.
“The result is that EU laws will apply only where strictly necessary to provide privileged access to the whole of the EU market under a new legal framework of democratic consent and control. And we will underpin this new framework through amendments to the Northern Ireland Act 1998 to provide constitutional and democratic guarantees for the people of Northern Ireland.”
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has said that her party will meet tonight to discuss the deal.
Welcome news that negotiations have concluded. We will meet tonight to assess the deal. Protection of the GFA, no hardening of the border and access to the EU market are key elements of any deal. There is a real urgency to get the Northern Executive up and running.
— Mary Lou McDonald (@MaryLouMcDonald) February 27, 2023
Speaking to reporters at Stormont this afternoon, Sinn Féin’s vice president Michelle O’Neill said she “welcomes the fact that a deal has been done”.
She said that as the details of the agreement are “coming hot off the press”, the party is still working their way through it and will have more to say later.
“We’ve always said that it was possible to have a deal. We’ve always said that with pragmatism solutions could be found. So the fact that both sides have arrived at that point today, and this represents the end of the negotiation, I think is something that will be well received,” O’Neill said.
The Tory chairman of the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee, Simon Hoare, has praised the “grown politics” involved in striking the new protocol deal.
@RishiSunak and @vonderleyen @JamesCleverly & @MarosSefcovic have demonstrated magnificently what can be achieved when, with mutual respect, understanding, trust and friendship grown ups can do grown politics. As Chairman of @CommonsNIAC I say “thank you & well done”
— Simon Hoare MP (@Simon4NDorset) February 27, 2023
Ursula von der Leyen has arrived at Windsor Castle ahead of an audience with King Charles III.
Minister of State for European Affairs Peter Burke has welcomed today’s agreement.
“I believe we now have a real opportunity for us all to move into a new and more positive phase of EU-UK relations, and to face into global challenges as partners.”
Tánaiste and Foreign Affairs Minister Michéal Martin has welcomed the deal struck on the Protocol.
He said it is a “genuine response” to unionist concerns.
“This new agreement, the Windsor Framework, is the result of genuine engagement, and of the EU and UK working together and listening to the concerns raised by elected representatives, citizens and business in Northern Ireland,” he said.
“From the outset, we have always said that the only sustainable outcome is one based on jointly agreed solutions.
“I heard first-hand the concerns of many unionists. I believe they will see in this a genuine response to their genuine concerns.
“This new framework will, for example, ensure that the same food will be available on supermarket shelves in Northern Ireland as in the rest of the UK. Medicines will also be available to people in Northern Ireland at the same time and under the same conditions as the rest of the UK.”
Today’s announcement of an agreement between the EU & UK on the Protocol very welcome.
— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) February 27, 2023
It's the result of genuine engagement and listening to concerns raised by citizens and business in NI - and paves the way for a new chapter in EU-UK relations amidst global challenges. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/9hdHwvIFXj
European Court of Justice
Von der Leyen explained at the press conference that the European Court of Justice (ECJ) is the “sole and ultimate arbiter of EU law” and will have the “final say” on single market decisions.
“Indeed, the European Court of Justice is the sole and ultimate arbiter of EU law – that’s natural because it’s prescribed by the EU order. So the ECJ will have the final say in EU law and single market decisions.”
However, von der Leyen said that through the new framework each side has “worked hard” to add the new Stormont brake.
She added that it remains an emergency mechanism that hopefully will not need to be used.
Von der Leyen said the EU is fully committed to safeguarding the Good Friday Agreement and to avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland.
“Extensive consultations” with the UK and Northern Ireland will regulate the system, she said.
Here’s a snap of Britain’s Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during the press conference at Windsor Guildhall.
So, now that the press conference has wrapped up, let’s take a quick look at the three key elements of the Windsor Framework:
Sunak told the conference that he recognises that “parties and communities across Northern Ireland will want to take the time to consider the detail of what we’re announcing today. And we should give them the time and the space to do that. And I fully respect that”.
Sunak confirmed that the UK Parliament will have a vote on the deal “at the appropriate time”.
“I think it’s important we give everyone the time and the space they need to consider the detail of the framework.”
Sunak also announced that the new agreement involves a new “Stormont Brake”.
This allows the Northern Ireland Assembly to veto the application of new EU laws.
“This will establish a clear process through which the democratically elected can pull an emergency brake for changes to EU goods rules that would have significant and lasting effects on everyday lives,” he told the press conference.
We're introducing a new Stormont Brake.
— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) February 27, 2023
The elected Assembly can pull the brake for changes to EU goods rules that would have significant and lasting effects on everyday lives.
When pulled, the UK government will have a veto.
This gives Northern Ireland a powerful safeguard. pic.twitter.com/HQucBDCVHv
Von der Leyen told the press conference: “For this to work, we have agreed on strong safeguards like IT access, labels and enforcement procedures that will protect the integrity of the European Union’s single market.”
She said that the new Windsor Framework “respects and protects our respective markets and our respective legitimate interests”.
The EU chief spoke about of the “very hard-earned peace gains of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement” as she condemned the recent shooting of a PSNI officer in Northern Ireland.
“The new Windsor Framework is here to benefit people in Northern Ireland and support all communities celebrating peace on the island of Ireland. And this is why I believe we can now open a new chapter in our partnership. Stronger EU-UK relationship, standing as close partners, shoulder to shoulder now and in the future,” she said.
Sunak explains the new green lane aspect of the ‘Windsor Framework’:
2/ Goods staying in the UK will use a new Green Lane with a separate Red Lane for goods moving to the EU.
— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) February 27, 2023
In the Green Lane, burdensome customs bureaucracy will be scrapped.
People sending parcels to friends and family or buying products online, will have no customs paperwork.
“I believe the Windsor Framework marks a turning point for the people of Northern Ireland,” Sunak told the press conference.
“It fixes the practical problems they face, it preserves the balance of the Belfast Good Friday Agreement.
“Now of course parties will want to consider the agreement in detail, a process that will need time and care.
“Today’s agreement is written in the language of laws and treaties. But really, it’s about much more than that.
“It’s about stability in Northern Ireland. It’s about real people and real businesses. It’s about showing that our Union that has lasted for centuries can and will endure. And it’s about breaking down the barriers between us, setting aside the arguments that for too long have divided us.”
More from Sunak’s speech here:
"We have now made a decisive breakthrough."
— Sky News (@SkyNews) February 27, 2023
Rishi Sunak confirms a new deal has been agreed with the EU over the Northern Ireland Protocol, which he says will deliver "smooth-flowing trade" throughout the UK.
Live: https://t.co/WUnquWvHqf
📺 Sky 501, Virgin 602 and YouTube pic.twitter.com/jVULOIwPBB
Sunak also said the deal represents a “landmark settlement” on medicines.
He said the agreement would make “drugs approved for use by the UK medicines regulator automatically available” in Northern Ireland pharmacies.
Sunak said the new agreement protects “Northern Ireland’s place within the union” and allows VAT and excise changes to be applied across the whole of the UK.
“We’ve amended the legal text of the of the protocol to ensure we can make critical VAT and excise changes for the whole of the UK, for example alcohol duty, meaning our reforms to cut the cost of a pint in a pub will now apply in Northern Ireland.”
Von der Leyen says the new Windor Framework will allow a “new chapter” to begin.
She says the deal will “provide long lasting solutions” for the people and businesses of Northern Ireland.
During his speech, Sunak explained that goods destined from Northern Ireland will travel through a “green lane”, removing the need for “hundreds of certificates”.
“Today’s agreement delivers the smooth flow of trade within the United Kingdom,” Sunak said.
“Goods destined for Northern Ireland will travel through a new green lane with a separate red lane for goods at risk of moving on to the EU.
“Food retailers like supermarkets, restaurants and wholesalers will no longer need hundreds of certificates for every lorry and we will end the situation where food made to UK rules could not be sent to and sold in Northern Ireland. This means that if food is available on supermarket shelves in Great Britain, then it will be available on supermarket shelves in Northern Ireland.”
'We have removed any sense of a border in the Irish Sea'
— Sky News (@SkyNews) February 27, 2023
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak says goods destined for Northern Ireland will travel through a new "green lane", removing the need for "hundreds of certificates".https://t.co/WUnquWvHqf
📺 Sky 501 and YouTube pic.twitter.com/1BP7uJWoB1
Von der Leyen is now addressing the press conference.
Sunak says the agreement marks a “new chapter” in the UK’s relationship with the European Union.
He says the deal will preserve the “delicate balance” in the Good Friday Agreement that protects the “aspirations and identity” of all people in the North.
He also says it will “end the uncertainty” for the Northern Irish people.
Sunak says the legal text of the protocol has been changed to ensure that restrictions on British products like trees, plants and seeds will be lifted to make them available again in Northern Ireland.
Travel requirements on pets have been removed.
“Today’s agreement delivers smooth-flowing trade within the whole United Kingdom, protects Northern Ireland’s place in our union and safeguards sovereignty for the people of Northern Ireland,” Sunak says.
Sunak has announced what he calls ‘the New Windsor framework’.
“I am standing here today because I believe we have found ways to end the uncertainty, and challenge for the people of Northern Ireland.”
Britain’s Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen have begun their press conference.
Sunak and von der Leyen have now left the Fairmont Hotel in Windsor Park where they were meeting and the deal was done.
The meeting lasted just under an hour and 45 minutes.
The British Prime Minister left first followed minutes later by the European Commission president.
We don’t know exactly when UK MPs will vote on this new deal but it is almost certain to pass when it does.
The Conservatives have a majority of about 70 in the House of Commons but Labour has already indicated that it will back any agreement, meaning that the deal is likely to sail through.
The number to look at will be how many Conservatives actually vote against the deal, with some hardline Brexiteers likely to be unhappy with the agreement’s provisions to allow EU trade rules having effect in Northern Ireland.
The number being suggested is that about 30 Tory MPs vote against the deal, if the number is less than that Sunak is likely to come out of the vote looking stronger.
There they are now, the two leaders who are due to speak publicly in the next 30 minutes.
Rishi Sunak, is he the Prime Minister to finally ‘Get Brexit Done’?
Such proclamations are likely to annoy Boris Johnson and some of the more hardline Brexiteers.
Press Association also confirming the deal:
Rishi Sunak has signed a breakthrough deal with the European Union over post-Brexit trading arrangements for Northern Ireland and will now seek to win the backing of unionists and Tory Eurosceptics.
The Prime Minister and EU chief Ursula von der Leyen finalised the long-awaited agreement to ease the trading issues created by the Northern Ireland Protocol during a summit at Windsor on Monday, sources from both sides told the PA news agency.
“An agreement has been reached. The deal is done,” a senior Downing Street source said.
Jeffrey Donaldson has criticised a newspaper report by the Irish News which indicated that the DUP had accepted the deal.
Donaldson tweeted a screenshot from the newspaper which said that the DUP will “explain it’s rationale for their acceptance of the deal”.
The DUP leader said: “We’ll take our time to consider the detail and measure a deal against our seven tests. PS – A busy day and no dinner planned either”.
Anonymous sources strike again. We’ll take our time to consider the detail and measure a deal against our seven tests. PS - A busy day and no dinner planned either - story entirely fictional. Let’s stick to the facts @irish_news pic.twitter.com/vwSgyVBYGp
— Jeffrey Donaldson MP (@J_Donaldson_MP) February 27, 2023
We have our first comments of the day from DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson.
A very enjoyable doorstep by BBC News Northern Ireland as Donaldson walks through an airport with his travel suitcase.
He’s not giving much away.
DUP leader @J_Donaldson_MP - spoke to @BBCNewsNI a short time ago
— Darran Marshall (@DarranMarshall) February 27, 2023
“I’m neither positive nor negative. We need to take time to look at the deal, what’s available, and how does that match our 7 tests”
When can we expect a decision?
“That'll be determined by how long it takes”. pic.twitter.com/P2F6ZEJi3w
Nothing on the record here from the DUP, but the Irish News is reporting from unnamed sources that the DUP is “expected to accept NI Protocol deal”.
We’ll see how that plays out but just so you know the latest…
Exclusive: DUP expected to accept NI Protocol deal. Sammy Wilson is expected to explain the DUP's position. https://t.co/kZCkWoia6K pic.twitter.com/MxHOM1bYr0
— The Irish News (@irish_news) February 27, 2023
While we may not know if the Irish government makes an official statement later, Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin has been speaking to RTÉ’s News at One.
He wouldn’t go so far as to say a deal has been done but said that von der Leyen’s presence in the UK is “very clear manifestation of very significant and substantial progress”.
Back in 2021, the DUP set out “seven tests” that needed to be met before they would consider dropping their objection to the Protocol.
Asked whether he felt these tests had been met, An Tánaiste said:
Well, first of all, I respect that this is a matter that the DUP would have to consider within its party. But I would say that genuinely the European Union has listened to the concerns that have been articulated consistently by the DUP, the UUP and others and others in Northern Ireland in respect to the operation of the Protocol.
And I do believe that the key issues that have been identified had been responded to in a substantial way that would be my assessment of it. But obviously, to be fair to all concerned, we have to wait to full publication of agreements and so on and on the specific items.
Back in Dublin it’s unclear exactly if and when we’re likely to have a statement or press conference by the Taoiseach and Tánaiste.
Much of it will depend on how the day plays out across the water but it certainly won’t be before this evening.
We’re now getting a sense of the plan for the day.
Rishi Sunak has arrived in Fairmont Hotel in Windsor Park, Berkshire, for talks with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen who has not yet arrived.
After that meeting, von der Leyen is expected to meet with King Charles III and Sunak will then make a statement in the House of Commons at 6.30pm.
At present there are no plans for House of Commons vote.
There’s Suank arriving to Windsor in the last while.
Some more on the brewing controversy among British unionism about King Charles’ planned meeting with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Former DUP leader and first minister of Northern Ireland Arlene Foster has labelled the plan as “crass”.
I cannot quite believe that No10 would ask HM the King to become involved in the finalising of a deal as controversial as this one. It’s crass and will go down very badly in NI.
— Arlene Foster DBE PC #ProudofNI. (@ArleneFosterUK) February 27, 2023
We must remember this is not the King’s decision but the Government who it appears are tone deaf.
Jacob Rees-Mogg has said it is “constitutionally unwise” for the Charles to meet von der Leyen.
“It is surprising that the King will meet Ursula von der Leyen today as it antagonises the people the Prime Minister needs to conciliate,” the Tory Brexiteer said.
“It is also constitutionally unwise to involve the King in a matter of immediate political controversy.”
An interesting one here.
Steve Baker, a former member of the pro-Brexit European Research Group of Tory MPs has given his thoughts on the deal after leaving Downing Street.
“The Prime Minister is on the cusp of securing a really fantastic deal for everyone involved,” he told reporters.
Baker is now a minister in the Northern Ireland Office and made headlines last year when he issued an apology for his past “ferocious” stances on negotiations with the EU.
Unsurprisingly, the decision by King Charles to meet EU chief Ursula von der Leyen, and Downing Street’s advice that he do so, has prompted controversy.
Jacob Rees-Mogg has already been out suggesting that it’s a bad idea but a spokesperson for PM Rishi Sunak has defended the decision.
The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said Sunak believes “fundamentally” that the decision was one for Buckingham Palace.
“He firmly believes it’s for the King to make those decisions,” the official said.
It’s not uncommon for His Majesty to accept invitations to meet certain leaders, he has met President Duda and President Zelensky recently. He is meeting with the president of the EU today.
Asked why the final Protocol talks were taking place in Windsor, the spokesman said:
“There are a number of occasions when these sorts of talks have been held in significant occasions, this is no different.”
Sky News Senior Ireland Correspondent David Blevins has pointed out that the royal intervention isn’t exactly “unprecedented” as the late Queen Elizabeth II did release a statement in 1998 welcoming the Good Friday Agreement.
DUP leader at the time, the late Dr. Ian Paisley, was not happy about that intervention either.
The King’s participation not exactly “unprecedented”. Her Majesty The Queen issued a statement welcoming the Good Friday Agreement in 1998. #Brexit
— David Blevins (@skydavidblevins) February 27, 2023
We’re expecting greater details of the proposed deal later today but we have a good idea about what’s likely to be in it already.
My colleague Jane Moore has brought together some of the main points so far.
Sunak has quote-tweeted von der Leyen’s Eurostar tweet, I’ll spare you the St. Pancras image again but this is what the British PM has to say:
I’m looking forward to meeting @vonderleyen in Windsor today for further talks on the shared, practical solutions to the range of complex challenges around the Northern Ireland Protocol.
Just to be clear on what any deal between the UK and the EU means.
It means the current Protocol arrangements will change, regardless of what the DUP thinks about it.
The DUP only come into it because the party is currently boycotting participation of the Northern Ireland Assembly in protest at how the Protocol currently operates.
It will be up to the party to decide if the changes are enough to lift their boycott. There are indications that they will not be but Jeffrey Donaldson and his party may wait a number of days to show their hand.
There are local elections due in Northern Ireland in May and the DUP may fear that a continued boycott may not play well with voters.
Indeed, the decision is a huge one for the future of unionism in the medium term, as Alex Kane, political commentator and former director of communications of the UUP points out.
If Sunak does get a deal through and the DUP refuse to accept it (and we might not get final confirmation for some time) it raises huge problems for what unionism does next. I’m not persuaded either Sunak or the EU would open negotiations again.
— Alex.Kane (@AlexKane221b) February 27, 2023
Buckingham Palace has indeed confirmed the meeting between King Charles III von der Leyen, although given the sensitivities around the politics of it all there is no mention of anything Brexit-related.
A spokesperson said:
The King is pleased to meet any world leader if they are visiting Britain and it is the Government’s advice that he should do so.
The head of state and president will sit down to tea late on Monday afternoon during their meeting where a range of topics are expected to be discussed including climate change and the situation in Ukraine.
And here we have it, von der Leyen is on British soil.
In the past 10 minutes she’s tweeted a picture of her stepping onto the platform of London St Pancras after getting the Eurostar.
I’m glad to be in the UK today to meet with Prime Minister @RishiSunak.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) February 27, 2023
I’m looking forward to turning a page and opening a new chapter with our partner and friend. pic.twitter.com/GuyMzy2wbj
Speak of the devil, as it were.
CONFIRMED: Von der Leyen will meet with King Charles III in Windsor Castle this afternoon.
That development is being reported by PA and Sky News. There’s a statement on the way from Buckingham Palace apparently. We’ll get you that statement when we have it.
And as if to emphasise that today is a big day, the all-important meeting between Sunak and von der Leyen will take place in Windsor, not Downing Street.
There were suggestions on Friday that von der Leyen might even have a meeting with King Charles III if she flew over on Saturday, suggestions that raised some eyebrows about the monarch’s intrusion into politics.
So just to give you a sense about how the choreography about how things will go:
And just in case you thought we were over-hyping von der Leyen’s arrival to Blighty, three UK papers today use the ‘seal the deal’ terminology while others mention it in different ways.
Monday's front page: EU chief flies in to seal Brexit deal#TomorrowsPapersToday
— i newspaper (@theipaper) February 27, 2023
Latest by @HugoGye: https://t.co/rsedDcIYNP pic.twitter.com/DxNCuW8afj
Just published: front page of the Financial Times, UK edition, Monday 27 February https://t.co/sSZruhbpA2 pic.twitter.com/Asle9OwT6D
— Financial Times (@FinancialTimes) February 26, 2023
The front page of tomorrow's Daily Telegraph:
— The Telegraph (@Telegraph) February 26, 2023
'EU chief flies in to seal Brexit deal as revolt brews'#TomorrowsPapersToday
Sign up for the Front Page newsletterhttps://t.co/x8AV4Oomry pic.twitter.com/8FTICcOlM0
Good morning! Rónán Duffy here for the latest season finale of Brexit.
The issues are pretty much the same but the characters are slighthy different.
Rishi Sunak is the fifth British PM since the UK voted to leave rhe EU all of six-and-a-half years ago but he’s not looking to be the man to end all the post-divorce bikcering.
Will it be enough for the Brexit fundmentalists in his party? That remains to be seen but it’s likely that he has enough votes to drown them out anyway.
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