Brexit deal – latest news: No 10 suggests no changes can be made to Windsor Agreement

There is no room for any changes to be made to the new Brexit deal, No 10 has indicated following the announcement of the “historic” agreement.

Asked if Rishi Sunak might return to Brussels to ask for any changes requested by the DUP, the prime minister’s official spokesperson said: “Certainly I think you heard the prime minister asked similar questions today. We think we have secured the right deal for all parties in Northern Ireland.

“We stand ready to have further talks with those parties if they have questions about how it works in practice, indeed, we did a great deal of that in the run up to this announcement.”

Mr Sunak travelled to Northern Ireland after securing a deal with the EU that he promised would be a “turning point” for the region after years of post-Brexit tensions.

The so-called Windsor Framework was earlier hailed as “historic” by the European Commission president, who insisted the deal marked a “new chapter” in UK-EU relations at a press conference with the prime minister.

Key Points

• Sunak says ‘breakthrough’ Brexit deal marks ‘new way forward'

• New deal ‘removes any sense of border in Irish Sea’, insists PM

• Agreement to create ‘green’ and ‘red’ lanes for goods entering NI

• ‘Stormont brake’ will place Northern Ireland in ‘control of their destiny’, says Sunak

• King meets von der Leyen for tea at Windsor Castle

PM seeks to sell ‘breakthrough’ deal

05:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Rishi Sunak is expected to travel to Northern Ireland after securing a deal with the EU that he promised would be a “turning point” for the region after years of post-Brexit tensions.

The new deal, dubbed the Windsor Framework, removes barriers on trade across the Irish Sea and hands a “veto” to politicians in Stormont on EU law.

But it still includes a role for the European Court of Justice, with the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) and Tory backbenchers now set to study closely the details of the complex set of arrangements in the coming days.

The prime minister is also expected to speak to backbench MPs today.

Read more here.

Sunak seeks to sell ‘breakthrough’ deal after EU-UK agreement

Boris Johnson told to ‘put up or shut up’ and back Sunak’s Brexit deal

15:00 , Emily Atkinson

Boris Johnson has been urged to “put up or shut up” over Rishi Sunak’s new Brexit deal with EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen as the former prime minister considers whether to rebel on the issue.

The source close to the former prime minister did not deny a report that Mr Johnson had asked the DUP to without support until they had carefully studied at the agreement.

Most Tory MPs have reacted enthusiastically to the Windsor Framework, but Mr Johnson’s allies in the DUP and hardliners in the European Research Group (ERG) are “taking their time” to consider whether they can back it.

Our political correspondent Adam Forrest reports:

Boris Johnson told to ‘put up or shut up’ and back Sunak’s Brexit deal

No 10 denies Sunak seeking single market access

14:40 , Emily Atkinson

Downing Street has been forced to stress that Rishi Sunak’s hailing of Northern Ireland’s access to both EU and British markets should not be seen as an endorsement of single market benefits for the whole of the UK.

During a visit to a Coca-Cola factory in County Antrim to promote his Windsor Framework, the prime minister said the deal would create “the world’s most exciting economic zone”.

Pressed on the issue later, the prime minister’s official spokesman told reporters: “The British people made a decision in 2016 and we are seeing the benefits of that decision, whether that’s in the ability to change our environment laws, some of the tax elements the Prime Minister talked about just today, in fact.

“With regards to Northern Ireland, it is simply a fact that because of our respect for the Good Friday Agreement and the central importance: Northern Ireland’s unique position means it needs to have access to both markets, not least to avoid a border on the island of Ireland, which nobody wants to see.

“That puts it in a unique position and what the framework does is finally cement those capabilities.”

Watch: Rishi Sunak says Northern Ireland in 'special position' with access to EU single market

14:20 , Emily Atkinson

‘Stormont should be up and running now'

14:05 , Emily Atkinson

Ulster Unionist leader Doug Beattie said there was no reason why the Stormont powersharing institutions could not be operating while parties study the detail of the Windsor Framework.

He said: “Stormont could be up and running now. You could have an executive now, and at the same time we could be looking at this framework.

“You can do that at the same time.

“But if we drag this out for months then businesses will be sitting there not knowing whether they are coming or going.

“We need to hear from business, we need to know if it works for them.

“But there is no point dragging it out. People need to show the courage of their convictions, look at the deal, come up with your analysis and make your pitch.”

‘Disingenuous’ to suggest Windsor Framework will take weeks or months to formulate, says Unionist leader

13:50 , Emily Atkinson

Ulster Unionist leader Doug Beattie said it was “disingenuous” for any political party to suggest it would take weeks or months to formulate a response to the Windsor Framework.

Speaking following a meeting with the prime minister in Co Antrim, Mr Beattie said Mr Sunak had been “buoyant”.

He said: “I think the Stormont brake is one of those things which sounds good when you talk about it, but as soon as you start delving into it and understanding how it actually works, it throws up more questions than it does answers.

“But I can see the prime minister is working hard to sell this deal and we will work hard to scrutinise it.

“Anyone who is saying this should take weeks and months, I think is being disingenuous.

Michelle O’Neill: ‘Priority must be getting Stormont up and moving'

13:35 , Emily Atkinson

Sinn Fein’s Michelle O’Neill said she has spoken to the prime minister in a phone conversation.

She tweeted: “I welcomed yesterday’s breakthrough. The deal is now done.

“My key message is to let’s keep momentum going.

“The priority must now be getting Stormont up and moving without delay.”

Watch: Former home secretary Jacqui Smith tells journalist to 'shut up' on live TV

13:18 , Emily Atkinson

PM says he wants to ‘move forward’ when asked about undoing predecessor’s damage

12:55 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Rishi Sunak said he wanted to “move forward” when it was put to him that much of his work on the Windsor Framework was effectively undoing the damage of Boris Johnson’s deal.

The Prime Minister told reporters during a visit to a Coca-Cola plant in County Antrim: “I was very clear in Parliament yesterday about the challenges of the protocol.

“I was open about it and that’s why I’ve spent time... really understanding them deeply because I care passionately about Northern Ireland, its people and its place in the union.

“But my job as a new Prime Minister is try to move forward and look to the future and make sure that future is better, and that’s what we have tried very hard to do.”

Sunak stresses important of ‘good, constructive’ relations between UK and Ireland

12:42 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

The prime minister stressed the importance of “good, constructive” relations between the UK and Ireland, during a visit to County Antrim as he promoted his new deal with the EU.

Asked about relations between London and Dublin, Rishi Sunak praised the support of the Irish Government over recent months.

Speaking to broadcasters, Mr Sunak said: “I was the first UK Prime Minister to attend the British-Irish Council in over a decade, shortly after I became Prime Minister.

“I think it is important we have good, constructive relations with our allies, our neighbours, our friends, and of course that means, and especially that means, the Republic of Ireland.

“That is what I have tried to do in my job as Prime Minister. The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Chris Heaton-Harris has done the same.

“I am grateful to the Irish Government for the support they have given both the UK Government and the EU and everyone in Northern Ireland to help trying to find a resolution here.”

Rishi Sunak mocked for calling Northern Ireland ‘world’s most exciting economic zone’

12:25 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Rishi Sunak said his post-Brexit deal meant Northern Ireland was the world’s “most exciting economic zone” with access to both EU and UK markets.

Critics online were swift to point out that the entire UK had full access to the EU’s “exciting” single market before Brexit.

On a visit to Lisburn’s Coca-Cola factory, the PM said: “Northern Ireland is in the unbelievably special position, a unique position in the entire world, European continent.”

He said the province was now had “privileged access, not just to the UK home market, which is enormous, but also the EU single market”.

Mr Sunak told the audience of workers: “Nobody else has that. No one. Only you guys – only here, and that is the prize.”

Adam Forrest reports:

Rishi Sunak mocked for calling Northern Ireland ‘world’s most exciting economic zone’

New Stormont brake an ‘incredibly powerful’ mechanism for people of Northern Ireland, PM says

12:10 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Rishi Sunak has said the new Stormont brake in the Windsor Framework is an “incredibly powerful” mechanism ensuring the people of Northern Ireland have control of their own destiny.

Speaking in a pooled clip for broadcasters during a visit to County Antrim, the Prime Minister said he wanted to work with the parties to agree how it would be applied in practice.

“The Stormont brake is an incredibly powerful new cross-community safeguard. What it means is that the people and institutions of Northern Ireland are in control of their destiny,” he said.

“If there is a significant new EU law that comes along that will have lasting and significant impact on everyday lives of people here in Northern Ireland, then the assembly will be allowed to pull the emergency brake.

“Once that is done it is crystal clear the UK Government then does have an unequivocal veto. The UK Government wants to sit down with the parties in Northern Ireland to codify how the UK Government would use that veto to make sure everyone has reassurance that it will work properly.”

Critics point out Sunak unintentionally highlighting disadvantages of Brexit in Northern Ireland speech

11:54 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Rishi Sunak said his post-Brexit deal meant Northern Ireland was the world’s “most exciting economic zone” with access to both EU and UK markets.

But critics online were swift to point out that the entire UK had full access to the EU’s “exciting” single market before Brexit.

Several commentators said that the prime minister was pointing out the disadvantages of Brexit, since Great Britain had lost access to the single market by quitting the EU.

Anti-Brexit campaigner Femi Oluwole tweeted: “Rishi Sunak just spent 2 minutes boasting about how Northern Ireland is the “most exciting investment zone on the planet” because it has full access to the UK and EU market... You know... like we did before Brexit!”

It follows similar criticism for Northern Ireland minister Steve Baker, who told the BBC: “What an extraordinary opportunity for Northern Ireland: dual access to both markets”.

Northern Ireland ‘world’s most exciting economic zone’, says Sunak

11:19 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Rishi Sunak said the deal would create “the world’s most exciting economic zone” with access to both EU and UK markets.

On a visit to Lisburn’s Coca-Cola factory, he said: “Northern Ireland is in the unbelievably special position – unique position in the entire world, European continent – in having privileged access, not just to the UK home market, which is enormous, but also the EU single market.”

Sunak added: “Nobody else has that. No one. Only you guys: only here, and that is the prize.”

Critics online were swift to point out that the entire UK had full and access to the EU’s “exciting” single market before Brexit.

Prime minister repeats call for Northern Ireland to return to powersharing

11:06 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Rishi Sunak repeated his call for politicians in Northern Ireland to return to powersharing.

While the Prime Minister did not reference the DUP by name, he said that the Stormont brake contained in the Windsor Framework addressed concerns about sovereignty and the protocol.

Speaking at a factory in Northern Ireland as he promoted his Windsor Framework deal, Mr Sunak was asked multiple questions about the fact the Northern Ireland Assembly is not sitting.

He said that concerns “people had with the protocol were valid”.

“Now look, how we deal with that is a separate question, but the fact that people had concerns about it, I think is reasonable.”

He stressed that his new deal “corrected” the issues.

“The framework is a fantastic agreement that delivers on all the things people care about. So now I hope that they do see it and see that and they can find a way to come back together.”

He told the audience: “It’s what you deserve.”

“What we’ve done, though, is empower that assembly even more with this new Stormont brake that I talked about.

“Even more incentive to get back in. So for all the people who said well, we don’t feel like we’ve got enough sovereignty in this situation, that there’s a democratic deficit with this EU - we’ve corrected it. We’ve put more power in the hands of Stormont, in those very people. But they need to get back in, they need to get put back in so they can use those powers. We’ve provided the means now, and I hope that with time and space, they will see that that’s the right way forward.”

DUP will ‘take its time’, says Donaldson

10:49 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson told BBC’s Good Morning that the party would not be rushed into making a decision on whether to back Rishi Sunak’s protocol deal.

“Our party officers, our assembly members, our MPs and ultimately even our party executive will determine the party’s approach on this issue,” he said.

“We will consult and we will take our time. We will talk to people, we will listen to what they are saying.”

Asked if the party was split, Donaldson said: “Absolutely not.”

While Donaldson was careful to say there are “key concerns”, but DUP MP Ian Paisley Jnr has already said his “gut instinct” was that the deal “does not cut the mustard”.

Sunak says Windsor Framework would make NI ‘world’s most exciting economic zone’

10:40 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Rishi Sunak has said getting his Windsor Framework for Northern Ireland implemented would create “the world’s most exciting economic zone” with access to EU and UK markets.

The prime minister, speaking at a factory in Northern Ireland, said: “If we get this right, if we get this framework implemented, if we get the Executive back up and running here, Northern Ireland is in the unbelievably special position - unique position in the entire world, European continent - in having privileged access, not just to the UK home market, which is enormous... but also the European Union single market.

“Nobody else has that. No one. Only you guys: only here, and that is the prize.

“I can tell you, when I go around the world and talk to businesses, they know that - they’re like: ‘That’s interesting. If you guys get this sorted, then we want to invest in Northern Ireland, because nowhere else does that exist.’

“That’s like the world’s most exciting economic zone.”

The government aims to work with international companies to help them “take advantage of Northern Ireland’s very special position”, he added.

“And they are queuing up to do so, particularly from the US actually.

PM acknowledges supermarket shortages but insists situation is improving

10:19 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Rishi Sunak acknowledged the shortages on supermarket shelves but insisted the situation was improving.

The prime minister, speaking at a factory in Northern Ireland to promote his Windsor Framework deal, said: “The hassle of getting a supermarket lorry from Great Britain to Northern Ireland was enormous, hundreds of certificate, tonnes of bureaucracy to get through.

“And worse, what was available in Great Britain on the shelves in the supermarket - which I know is a bit challenging at the moment but is getting better - but more generally, was not available on the shelves in Northern Ireland and that wasn’t right.

“And we’ve resolved all those issues, there’s going to be the same things in both places and that’s as it should be.”

Live: Rishi Sunak's Q&A session live from Lisburn after Northern Ireland protocol deal struck

10:13 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Watch live from Lisburn as Rishi Sunak takes part in a Q&A session during his trip to the city’s Coca-Cola plant.

He is in Northern Ireland following the announcement of a historic deal that he hopes will bring an end to the row over the bill.

Live: Rishi Sunak's Q&A session live from Lisburn after Northern Ireland protocol deal struck

‘Small and limited’ role for EU law in NI, Sunak admits

09:49 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Rishi Sunak has acknowledged that the Windsor Framework meant there was still a “small and limited role” for EU law in Northern Ireland.

Asked about DUP objections to some EU law remaining, Mr Sunak told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme the role of EU law “only persists for as long as the people are happy with it”.

“What we have done yesterday is introduce a new measure – the Stormont brake – which gives power to the institution in Northern Ireland, Stormont, to say that if there’s a new law that’s going to significantly impact people’s lives coming from the EU, they will be able to block it,” he said.

He said there would be only “small and limited role for EU law in Northern Ireland … what we are talking about is less than 3% of EU laws that apply in Northern Ireland”.

Mr Sunak said he believed “hand on heart” that the Windsor Framework addresses the concerns of people in Northern Ireland.

How the papers covered Rishi Sunak’s ‘breakthrough’ on Northern Ireland deal

09:30 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

UK papers were largely behind Rishi Sunak’s new deal on the Northern Ireland Protocol as they hailed the prime minister for winning over the EU in a bid to end the row over post-Brexit arrangements in the region.

Dubbed the Windsor Framework, the deal is lengthy, complicated and currently being poured over by the Democratic Unionist Party, Tory backbenchers and businesses across Northern Ireland.

On our own The Independent front page, we praise the PM for “finally” getting Brexit done.

The Times and i hail the development as a “Brexit breakthrough”, which grants Britain the power to veto EU laws.

How the papers covered Rishi Sunak’s ‘breakthrough’ on Northern Ireland deal

Foreign secretary warns they do not want to make changes on Sunak’s new deal

09:15 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Foreign secretary James Cleverly has cautioned that there is little scope to make any changes to Rishi Sunak’s deal with Brussels on post-Brexit trading arrangements with Northern Ireland.

Mr Cleverly told BBC Breakfast: “We don’t want to change this. It is a finely balanced document. We have got the European Commission to move a very, very long way from their starting point.

“We really value their engagement and their willingness to be flexible to help resolve some of the outstanding issues. We don’t want them to start changing things back again.

“This is really good deal. I hope everyone recognises how much we have achieved for the people of Northern Ireland.”

Asked who arranged European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen’s meeting with the King, Mr Cleverly told Sky News: “Decisions about the King’s diary are, rightly, for the Palace.”

DUP leader insists his party is ‘reasonable'

09:00 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has insisted his party is reasonable.

“We’re reasonable people but we want to ensure that what the Prime Minister has said is matched by what is actually in the agreement itself, can it deliver on the areas of concern that we set out in our seven tests?” he told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.

DUP leader gives cautious welcome to the Stormont brake aspect of deal

08:45 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson gave a cautious welcome to the Stormont brake aspect of the protocol deal.

He told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that “at first reading”, the Stormont brake mechanism gives the devolved government in Northern Ireland “the ability to apply the brake where the application of EU law for the purposes of facilitating cross-border trade impacts on our ability to trade with the rest of the United Kingdom”.

Sir Jeffrey said Northern Ireland should have unfettered access to the GB market, and if changes to EU law were to impact that “then it is right that Stormont has a brake and that we’re able to ultimately veto any new such law”.

He insisted the brake would not be used for “trivial reasons”.

“We want to do it in circumstances where a change to law would impact on our ability with trade with the rest of the United Kingdom, and that certainly is no trivial matter,” he added.

James Cleverly denies ministers are politicising the monarchy

08:30 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Foreign secretary James Cleverly has denied ministers were politicising the monarchy following the King’s meeting with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen.

Mr Cleverly told LBC radio: “I genuinely don’t understand that argument. The other week President Zelensky came to the UK and, as a senior international guest, he had an audience with His Majesty the King.

“Ursula von der Leyen is a very senior international representative. It is therefore not unusual as part of our hospitality to international guests to facilitate a meeting.

“It was our invitation for Ursula von der Leyen to come to the UK to finalise this deal with the Prime Minister. Of course that was a conversation we had with the Palace.

“The final decision on the availability of His Majesty is with the Palace.”

Sunak says new Brexit deal ‘isn’t about personalities’ when pressed about former PM

08:21 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

When asked if he has been briefing Boris Johnson about his new Brexit deal, Rishi Sunak said “this isn’t about personalities”.

Speaking to BBC Radio 4, the prime minister said: “Of course I speak to the former prime minister but this isn’t about any of us, this isn’t about personalities, this is about the people of Northen Ireland and what’s best for them.”

Foreign secretary James Cleverly on the DUP

08:15 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Foreign secretary James Cleverly has said it will be “hugely disappointing” if the Democratic Unionist Party does not return to the Stormont powersharing executive following Rishi Sunak’s deal with Brussels.

Mr Cleverly said the government had been “very, very focused” on the party’s concerns in their negotiations with the EU on post-Brexit trading arrangements.

“They are quite understandably going to want to look at the detail of this. I really hope that once they look at the detail of this they will see we have taken their concerns very, very seriously,” he told Sky News.

“I think they will know that I have been very, very focused on the concerns they have expressed on behalf of their community. They will have real authority when it comes to the Stormont brake.

“If they don’t re-enter the powersharing executive, that will be hugely disappointing. It won’t be good news for the people of Northern Ireland.”

Boris Johnson considers rebellion over Brexit deal as he ‘tells DUP to withhold support’

07:59 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Boris Johnson is considering whether to rebel over the post-Brexit deal struck by Rishi Sunak and EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen.

A source close to the former Tory prime minister said he was studying and reflecting on the Windsor Framework plan to end the Northern Ireland Protocol row.

They did not deny a report that Mr Johnson had asked the DUP to without support until they had looked carefully at the agreement.

Adam Forrest reports:

Boris considers Brexit deal rebellion as he ‘tells DUP to withhold support’

How the Brexit deal was done

07:18 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

The Brexit deal struck by Rishi Sunak and EU chief Ursula von der Leyen in Windsor depended on some delicate choreography involving a luxury hotel, a popular wedding venue and a royal residence.

The blossoming romance between the prime minister and the European Commission president saw the pair dart around the wealthy Berkshire town at a series of events aimed at selling the accord to resolve the Northern Ireland Protocol row.

The pair did not really need to charm each other, after painstaking talks between officials in London and Brussels forged the big breakthroughs weeks ago. Rather, their aim was to seduce others on the merits of their entente cordiale.

Adam Forrest has more.

Wooing in Windsor: How the Brexit deal was done

Trust in UK government hits record low

07:00 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Three-quarters of people told communication firm Edelman’s annual Trust Barometer that they thought the UK was heading in the wrong direction, a record figure since the survey started in 2001.

For the first time in eight years, a majority of people said they expected their standard of living to get worse over the next year while less than a quarter thought their situation would improve in the next five years.

The survey of 3,000 UK adults, carried out at the end of January, also found two-thirds of people thought inequality was increasing.

Some 14 per cent said the same about skipping credit card or loan repayments, while 12 per cent said the same about rent or mortgage payments.

Read more here.

Trust in government hits record low as 75% polled say UK is heading wrong way

Steve Baker says Brexit ‘cost me my mental health’

06:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Northern Ireland Office minister Steve Baker yesterday said the stalemate over Brexit “cost me my mental health” as he hailed the new deal struck by prime minister Rishi Sunak.

The self-styled “Brexit hard man” called Mr Sunak’s agreement an “extraordinary opportunity” for Northern Ireland.

He opened up about the impact of years of infighting over the EU and said the treaty agreement left him “emotional”.

“Seven years of this cost me my mental health,” Mr Baker told BBC Newsnight.

“In November 2021, I had a major mental health crisis – anxiety and depression. I couldn’t go on. People couldn’t tell [and] I made a big keynote in the afternoon.

“But make no mistake, holding these tigers by the tail – Brexit, Covid Recovery Group, Net Zero Scrutiny Group, the tax stuff we did with Conservative Way Forward – took its toll, we’re all only human.”

Pound surges after UK and EU agree on Northern Ireland deal

06:00 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

The pound jumped higher after Britain and the EU secured a new post-Brexit deal for Northern Ireland in a move set to end long-running tensions following the UK’s withdrawal.

Sterling leaped 0.7% higher to 1.20 US dollars and was 0.3% up at 1.14 euros after a government source said prime minister Rishi Sunak and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen had signed a breakthrough deal at a meeting in Windsor, Berkshire.

The FTSE 100 Index was also trading 0.6% or 50.7 points higher at 7929.4 in afternoon trading yesterday.

Rich Booth reports.

Pound surges after UK and EU agree Northern Ireland deal

EU chief hails ‘new chapter’ in UK relations

05:00 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Rishi Sunak and the EU president Ursula von der Leyen have ushered in a new era in UK-EU relations as they struck a historic post-Brexit deal.

Unveiling the Windsor Framework, Mr Sunak said it was a “major breakthrough” that would solve the long-running problem of the Northern Ireland protocol.

The EU chief also hailed the deal as a “new chapter” as she outlined plans for the UK to join the bloc’s £80bn Horizon science research programme.

Kate Devlin and Adam Forrest report.

EU chief hails ‘new chapter’ in UK relations as Sunak unveils landmark Brexit deal

Pelosi says US proud of its role in establishing Good Friday Agreement

04:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Former US House speaker Nancy Pelosi on Monday said the agreement between the EU and Britain on the Windsor Framework was “good news”.

“The Windsor Framework must support the Good Friday Agreement, be acceptable to the people of Northern Ireland, and improve the British-Irish partnership,” she said in a statement.

“The United States is very proud of the role our leaders played in establishing the Good Friday Agreement, a pillar of our foreign policy – and we salute those who worked so hard to end the impasse a quarter-century ago.”

When do the changes take effect?

04:00 , Katy Clifton

The Prime Minister said that the new agreement would make a difference “almost immediately”, but it does seem that at least some of the changes will gradually come into effect at various times.

For instance, new arrangements for post and parcels will take effect from September 2024 – while some of the exact details around the implementation of the Stormont “brake” are still to be worked out.

But Downing Street has been clear that significant parts of the deal can be introduced even without Stormont returning immediately.

What is the role of the European Court of Justice under the agreement?

03:01 , Katy Clifton

It had been expected that both the UK and the EU would try to find a way around the difficult role of the European Court of Justice (ECJ). Concerns about the oversight role of the court have been raised by the DUP and some Tory backbenchers, with the issue less about trade and more about sovereignty.

The ECJ had been final arbitrator of EU law issues in the region, given the fact that Northern Ireland essentially remains within the single market for goods.

The Government believes that the agreement significantly narrows the role of the ECJ, with a new approach set to address some of the concerns of a democratic deficit for Northern Irish representatives in the application of EU law.

That arrangement, dubbed the “Stormont brake”, is described in the agreement as giving Stormont a “genuine and powerful role” in deciding whether significant new rules on goods impacting life in the region will apply. It is set to function along the same lines as the Good Friday Agreement safeguard of the petition of concern.

Under that Stormont arrangement, 30 MLA signatures are needed to secure a valid petition, which then triggers a vote that requires a majority of both nationalist and unionist MLAs to pass.

It remains to be seen how the arrangement will be introduced into the Stormont institutions, if powersharing does return, but Downing Street has been clear that once triggered the brake will give the Government the power to veto any new or amended EU rule

Six key takeaways from the NI deal

02:00 , Katy Clifton

Rishi Sunak’s deal is designed to cut bureaucracy and dysfunction between Britain and Northern Ireland following Brexit.

The 26-page “Windsor Framework” lays out the plans for trade, movement of goods and future legislation.

Below, Joe Sommerlad takes a look at the six key takeaways from the deal:

Six key takeaways from Rishi Sunak’s new Brexit deal

‘Now is the time to protect the hard-earned gains of the Agreement’

00:01 , Katy Clifton

In Washington, Ways and Means Committee ranking member Richard E. Neal said he appreciates the “compromise by both sides” to find common ground.

He said: “The agreement is the result of constructive, continued engagement by the EU and the UK in search of joint solutions.

“I appreciate the steadfast commitment and compromise by both sides to find common ground to resolve the trade frictions related to the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland.

“Ahead of the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, now is the time to protect the hard-earned gains of the Agreement, and to deepen EU-UK cooperation and partnership for generations to come.”

Monday 27 February 2023 22:37 , Katy Clifton

US President Joe Biden has called the Windsor Framework agreement between the UK and European Union an “essential step to ensuring that the hard-earned peace and progress of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement is preserved and strengthened”.

In a statement, Mr Biden said: “I appreciate the efforts of the leaders and officials on all sides who worked tirelessly to find a way forward that protects Northern Ireland’s place within the UK’s internal market as well as the EU’s single market, to the benefit of all communities in Northern Ireland.

“I am confident the people and businesses of Northern Ireland will be able to take full advantage of the economic opportunities created by this stability and certainty, and the United States stands ready to support the region’s vast economic potential.

“Joe Kennedy, our new Special Envoy to Northern Ireland for Economic Affairs, will drive this effort in close cooperation with Ambassador Jane Hartley in London and Ambassador Claire Cronin in Dublin, as well as with business leaders in Northern Ireland.

“Northern Ireland can accomplish the extraordinary when its leaders work together in common cause. And I hope – as we all do – that Northern Ireland’s political institutions are soon back up and running. Those institutions embody the principle of devolved, powersharing, representative government at the core of the Good Friday Agreement.”

Monday 27 February 2023 22:30 , Katy Clifton

Prime minister Rishi Sunak said he believes the agreement secures Northern Ireland’s place in the United Kingdom.

Responding to DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson in the Commons, Mr Sunak 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.”

Mr Sunak said: “It ensures and safeguards sovereignty for the people of Northern Ireland.”

PM congratulated for ‘phenomenal focus’

Monday 27 February 2023 21:45 , Katy Clifton

Conservative former Northern Ireland secretary Brandon Lewis earlier congratulated the prime minister “for the phenomenal focus that they are putting in to ensuring that we can secure a deal that we all I know will hope can restore powersharing in Stormont”.

He said: “For many businesses it was the administrative burden of moving from Great Britain to Northern Ireland, not just regulatory, that needed to be removed, to allow them to see it as an economic benefit and therefore protect the structure, the integrity of the UK internal market.”

Rishi Sunak replied: “I’m confident that with the new green lane based on using existing ordinary commercial data and data sharing in place of the bureaucratic custom arrangements that were there hitherto, it is an enormous step forward.”

No timeline for when MPs will have their say

Monday 27 February 2023 21:00 , Katy Clifton

Earlier in the Commons, Rishi Sunak would not be drawn on when parliament would have a say on the agreement.

Conservative MP Simon Hoare, chairman of the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee, said: “Whilst respecting entirely and agreeing… that parties, particularly those in Northern Ireland, need the time and space to study the detail and to work out all of the implications for those in Northern Ireland, Northern Irish business wants and the good people of Northern Ireland most certainly deserve quick certainty.

“So if there are to be votes in this place on any element of the Windsor Framework as announced today, can my right honourable friend commit to ensuring that those votes take place speedily in order to ensure that certainty and peace of mind?”

Mr Sunak said: “Parliament will of course have its say and there will be a vote. But we will need to do that at the appropriate time as we give people the time and space to consider the detail.”

The Prime Minister said the agreement “can start providing that certainty, and those benefits, to the people and communities of Northern Ireland very soon”, and said “we want to start delivering those benefits for people on the ground as quickly as we can”.

King Charles meets EU chief at Windsor Castle after Brexit deal agreed

Monday 27 February 2023 20:32 , Andy Gregory

The King has welcomed EU chief Ursula von der Leyen to Windsor Castle after she agreed to a historic post-Brexit deal for Northern Ireland, reports my colleague Martha McHardy.

Charles was pictured warmly shaking hands with the president of the European Commission at the royal residence on Monday afternoon before they were served tea.

Topics covered included climate change and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, but it is not known if Northern Ireland was on the agenda.

King Charles meets EU chief at Windsor Castle after Brexit deal agreed

Senior Tory MP congratulates Sunak on deal, urges ‘speedy’ vote

Monday 27 February 2023 20:14 , Adam Forrest

Simon Hoare, chair of the Northern Ireland affairs committee, congratulated the PM on the “serious and beneficial outcomes” of his deal.

But the senior Tory figure urged Mr Sunak to hold any vote “speedily” to draw a line under the matter and offer “certainty” to the people of Northern Ireland.

SNP Westminster leader ‘supportive’ of Sunak’s new deal

Monday 27 February 2023 20:01 , Andy Gregory

The SNP’s Westminster leader has said he is supportive of Rishi Sunak’s new Brexit deal with the EU.

“Broadly speaking, I am fully supportive” of the Windsor Framework, Stephen Flynn told MPs, but insisted “we cannot and we should not forget the damage which has been done by leaving the European Union”.

Mr Flynn went on: “I just find it astonishing that we have a situation where the leader of the Labour Party and the leader of the Conservative Party are hand in glove when it comes to their position on Brexit.”

The SNP Westminster leader also argued “what this deal does not do is create parity for the nations of these islands”, adding: “It means that businesses in Northern Ireland have access to the single market, whereas businesses in Scotland do not.

“I do not begrudge the people and businesses of Northern Ireland but I regret that Scotland does not have those same opportunities. So on that point, can the prime minister just clarify why Scotland is at a significant disadvantage in that regard on his watch?”

Rishi Sunak replied: “I am a passionate unionist and I will always believe that our Union is stronger when we are together. And Scotland will always, alongside Northern Ireland, Wales, be part of what makes this country great and we will fight, we will fight day in and day out to protect that Union.”

David Davis: ‘A spectacular negotiating success'

Monday 27 February 2023 19:59 , Katy Clifton

Conservative former minister and staunch Brexit supporter David Davis has given his backing to the deal, describing it as “a spectacular negotiating success”.

Paying tribute to the Stormont brake in particular, he added: “I am unaware of any mechanism in any international agreement like the Stormont brake. It seems to me a brilliant piece of negotiating insight and imagination.

“Could he explain to the House, because we won’t all know in detail, can he explain to the House exactly how this mechanism will work and what its limitations will be?”

Rishi Sunak said Mr Davis was a “Brexiteer of longstanding credentials”, adding: “To have his support means a lot to me and the Government, and I thank him for it.”

The Prime Minister reiterated that the brake was based on similar mechanisms in the Good Friday Agreement, adding: “Once that emergency brake is pulled it will give the UK government a veto. It is a very powerful cross-community safeguard mechanism that ensures sovereignty for the people of Northern Ireland and it is part of why this agreement is the right one for the people of Northern Ireland.”

Tory former Northern Ireland secretary Julian Smith urged the Government to give “time and space and encouragement” to Northern Ireland’s different political parties “to restore powersharing and to ensure that political decision-making in Northern Ireland can start as soon as possible”.

Starmer urges Sunak to be ‘utterly unlike his predecessor'

Monday 27 February 2023 19:48 , Andy Gregory

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has urged Rishi Sunak “to be utterly unlike his predecessor”, as he responded to the prime minister’s Commons statement on his new Brexit deal.

He added: “Do not pretend the deal is something it is not, where there are trade-offs to be made, argue the case for them. Treat unionists with the respect of frank honesty, not the contempt of bluster.

“Because in this 25th anniversary year of the Good Friday Agreement, we must again embrace compromise and put division behind us.

“This deal is not perfect, but because we recognise that the UK agreed to the protocol and has an obligation to make it work, because we recognise that for the protocol to work there will inevitably be trade-offs and because we always recognise that peace and prosperity in Northern Ireland is hard won, Labour will support the Windsor Framework.”

Starmer welcomes new ‘red and green lanes’

Monday 27 February 2023 19:41 , Andy Gregory

Sir Keir Starmer said it was “good that the deal before us will see fewer unnecessary checks on goods moving between Great Britain and Northern Ireland”, adding the “red and green lane proposal is a good one” and “it has our full support”.

He said: “This agreement will allow us to move forward as a country rather than be locked in endless disputes with our allies. It will improve our diplomatic standing, which has been damaged by the government’s previous threats to break international law.”

Sir Keir added: “We must be honest, this comes with trade-offs. The right honourable member for Uxbridge and South Ruislip [Boris Johnson] told the people of Northern Ireland that his protocol meant no forms, no checks, no barriers of any kind on goods crossing the Irish Sea under Brexit, that was absolute nonsense.”

He went on: “It inevitably contributed to the collapse of powersharing in Northern Ireland, and I have to say, as the prime minister listed all the problems with the protocol I did rather wonder whether he’d forgotten who negotiated it.”

We have an obligation to make protocol work, says Starmer

Monday 27 February 2023 19:35 , Andy Gregory

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer told the Commons: “The protocol will never be perfect – it’s a compromise.

“But I’ve always been clear that if implemented correctly it is an agreement that can work in the spirit of the Good Friday Agreement.

“And now that it has been agreed we all have an obligation to make it work.”

Labour will support Brexit deal, says Starmer

Monday 27 February 2023 19:28 , Andy Gregory

Responding to Rishi Sunak’s statement on his new Brexit deal, Sir Keir Starmer said the Labour Party would support the deal and committed not to “play political games”.

Sir Keir told the Commons he was “deeply saddened” by the shooting of Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell.

He said: “DCI Caldwell’s shooting is a reminder that we must continue to strive for peace, that we in the House must take our obligations under the Good Friday Agreement and to the people of Northern Ireland as seriously as they do.

“It is in that spirit that I have been clear for some time that if the Prime Minister were to get an agreement with the EU, and if their agreement is in the interest of this country and Northern Ireland, then Labour would support it.

“And we will stick to our word. We will not snipe, we will not seek to play political games, and when the Prime Minister puts this deal forward for a vote, Labour will support it and vote for it.”

Government to drop controversial Northern Ireland Protocol Bill, Sunak confirms

Monday 27 February 2023 19:25 , Andy Gregory

Rishi Sunak has confirmed that the government’s controversial Northern Ireland Protocol Bill would be dropped following the new agreement, explaining that the legal justification for it had lapsed.

He told MPs: “Now that we’ve persuaded the EU to fundamentally rewrite the treaty texts of the protocol, we have a new and better option.”

Mr Sunak said the new agreement can start delivering “benefits almost immediately” for Northern Ireland.

On the updated legal position for the Bill, Mr Sunak said: “It says because we have achieved a new negotiated agreement which preserves the balance of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement, the original and sound justification legally for the Bill has now fallen away.

“In other words, neither do we need the Bill nor do we have a credible basis to pursue it. As such, we will no longer proceed with the Bill and the European Union will no longer proceed with their legal actions against the UK.”

Theresa May backs Rishi Sunak’s Brexit deal

Monday 27 February 2023 19:24 , Andy Gregory

Former Tory prime minister Theresa May has backed Rishi Sunak’s deal.

She urged “everybody across this House to support this settlement because that is what is in the best interests of all the people of Northern Ireland”.

New deal is subject to Vienna Convention, says Sunak

Monday 27 February 2023 19:20 , Andy Gregory

The EU has accepted that the legal basis for the Windsor Framework is in international law, Rishi Sunak has said.

“The EU have also explicitly accepted an important principle in the political declaration,” he told MPs. “It is there in black and white that the treaty is subject to the Vienna Convention. This means that unequivocally the legal basis for the Windsor Framework is in international law.

The PM added: “It puts beyond all doubt that we have now taken back control.”

New deal axes 1,700 pages of EU law, claims Sunak

Monday 27 February 2023 19:16 , Andy Gregory

The new deal with the European Union “scraps 1,700 pages of EU law”, Rishi Sunak has claimed.

The amount of EU law that applies in Northern Ireland is less than 3 per cent, he told MPs.

“And the people of Northern Ireland retain the right to reject that 3 per cent through next year’s consent vote,” he added. “However, that consent vote is about the whole protocol, so it cannot by its nature provide oversight of individual new laws.

“And it does not address the number one challenge to sovereignty made by the protocol – the ability of the EU to impose new or amended goods laws on Northern Ireland without them having a say.

“To address that, today’s agreement introduces a new Stormont brake.”

This will allow the Northern Ireland Assembly to block new laws if such a move has support from 30 members from at least two parties – which then hands the UK government a veto.

Sunak says ban on sausages entering Northern Ireland has been scrapped

Monday 27 February 2023 19:11 , Andy Gregory

The ban on British sausages entering Northern Ireland from Great Britain has been scrapped thanks to the Windsor Framework, Rishi Sunak said.

Speaking in the Commons, the PM said that 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”.

He added: “More delays, more cost, less choice. So today’s agreement fixes all this with a new, permanent legally binding approach to food.”

The PM continued: “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.”

New deal ‘fixes’ EU state aid law ‘reach-back’, says Sunak

Monday 27 February 2023 19:08 , Andy Gregory

Today’s agreement addresses the so-called “reach-back of EU state aid law”, Mr Sunak said.

It does this by imposing “stringent” new tests. For the EU to argue we’re in breach of their rules, they now have to demonstrate that there is a real genuine and material impact on Northern Ireland’s trade with the EU, Mr Sunak told MPs.

“That is a much higher threshold than the protocol,” he said.

Sunak sets out new ‘green lane’ for goods bound for NI

Monday 27 February 2023 18:46 , Andy Gregory

Here is what Rishi Sunak has said the Commons about the new “green lane” for goods moving to Northern Ireland.

“Core to the problems with the protocol was that it treated goods moving from Great Britain to Northern Ireland as if they were crossing an international customs border,” he told MPs.

“This created extra costs and paperwork for businesses, who had to fill out complex customs declarations. It limited choice for the people of Northern Ireland and it undermined the UK internal market – a matter of identity as well as economics.

“Today’s agreement removes any sense of a border in the Irish Sea and ensures the free flow of trade within the UK. We have secured a key negotiating objective – the introduction of a new green lane for goods destined for Northern Ireland, with a separate red lane for those going to the EU.

“Within the green lane, burdensome customs bureaucracy will be scrapped and replaced with data-sharing of ordinary existing commercial information. Routine checks and tests will also be scrapped. 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.”

Monday 27 February 2023 18:42 , Andy Gregory

Here are the three objectives of today’s deal, as laid out by Rishi Sunak to MPs:

• First, allowing trade to flow freely within our UK internal market.

• Second, protecting Northern Ireland’s place in our union.

• Third, safeguarding sovereignty and closing the democratic deficit.

MPs laugh as Sunak thanks predecessors for ‘laying the ground’ for deal

Monday 27 February 2023 18:39 , Andy Gregory

MPs have laughed as Rishi Sunak paid tribute to his “predecessors for laying the ground” for today’s deal, forcing the prime minister to pause in his address to the Commons.

Boris Johnson does not appear to be in the Commons chamber for the speech.

Sunak says his Brexit deal ‘does what many said could not be done'

Monday 27 February 2023 18:37 , Andy Gregory

Rishi Sunak has declared that his new Brexit deal “does what many said could not be done”, as he addresses MPs in the Commons.

“After weeks of negotiations, today we have made a decisive breakthrough,” he told MPs. “The Windsor Framework delivers free-flowing trade within the whole United kingdom. It protects Northern Ireland’s place in our union and it safeguards sovereignty for the people of Northern Ireland.

By achieving all this, it protects the delicate balance inherent in the Belfast Good Friday Agreement, and 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 pays tribute to ‘remarkable’ Betty Boothroyd

Monday 27 February 2023 18:32 , Andy Gregory

Rishi Sunak began his statement to MPs by paying tribute to the late Commons Speaker Betty Boothroyd.

“She was a remarkable woman who commanded huge admiration and respect as the first female Speaker of this House. She was as firm as she was fair, and she presided over many historic moments in this House, among them the debates on the Belfast Good Friday Agreement,” the PM said.

“Her passion, wit and immeasurable contribution to our democracy will never be forgotten.”

Watch as Rishi Sunak addresses MPs

Monday 27 February 2023 18:30 , Andy Gregory

Rishi Sunak is addressing the Commons about his new Windsor Framework deal. You can watch along here:

DUP hails ‘significant progress’ but warns ‘key issues of concern’ remain

Monday 27 February 2023 18:00 , Andy Gregory

DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has welcomed “significant progress” in Rishi Sunak’s new deal, but warned that “there remain key issues of concern”, including the remnants of EU law in Northern Ireland, as his party considers its next step.

In a statement on Monday, the DUP leader said: “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.”

Sir Jeffrey said that his party will now “study the detail” of the Windsor Framework, “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,” he said.

“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.”

We’ve pulled off ‘triumph’, says Brexiteer minister Steve Baker

Monday 27 February 2023 17:35 , Adam Forrest

Northern Ireland minister Steve Baker – a staunch Brexiteer who had been a leading figure in the European Research Group – has called the deal “triumph”.

“I’m absolutely convinced that this restores, by any legitimate measure, Northern Ireland’s place in the union,” he told the BBC. “It’s great news. It’s an extraordinary achievement. It’s a terrific thing to have pulled off.”

“The amount of EU law that will apply in Northern Ireland is now down to the absolute minimum necessary to keep that north-south border free of infrastructure,” he added.

White House expected to weigh on new Brexit agreement

Monday 27 February 2023 17:28 , Andy Gregory

Our White House correspondent Andrew Feinberg reports:

The White House is expected to weigh in on the newly-announced Brexit agreement between the UK and EU when National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby joins Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre at Monday’s daily press briefing.

Asked about the Biden administration’s reaction to the news, Mr Kirby told The Independent: “I think we’re gonna have more to say a little bit later”.

What is the immediate reaction to the announcement?

Monday 27 February 2023 16:51 , Andy Gregory

Here is some of the immediate reaction to the deal announced by Rishi Sunak and Ursula von der Leyen in Windsor.

The Spectator’s economics editor suggests the Stormont Brake could turn Northern Ireland’s access to the single market “into an added bonus, rather than a barrier to Brexit that some still view it as”.

While The Guardian’s political corrrespondent notes that the deal contains a “canny political incentive”.

Analyst Mujtaba Rahman has suggested that the apparent breakthrough “completely invalidates” the negotiating tactics of recent years.

LBC’s Brexit-specialising host James O’Brien has suggested that the deal appears to be “pretty impressive”.

The Times’ Whitehall editor describes the press conference as “surely the most upbeat UK-EU meeting since 2016”.

Amber Rudd hails ‘historic’ Brexit deal

Monday 27 February 2023 16:38 , Andy Gregory

Former Tory minister Amber Rudd, who resigned over Boris Johnson’s handling of Brexit in 2019, has praised Rishi Sunak’s “historic” agreement with the European Union.

“Finally, Brexit has been negotiated in detail and with care,” the former home secretary told The Independent.

“It is a historic day for Britain, Northern Ireland and Europe. We should all be very pleased.”

Rishi Sunak promises MPs vote on ‘Windsor Framework’ Brexit deal

Monday 27 February 2023 16:33 , Andy Gregory

Rishi Sunak has made a firm promise that MPs will get a vote on the “Windsor framework” post-Brexit agreement struck with EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen.

The prime minister said the result of the Commons vote on his deal will be “respected”, raising the prospect of a rebellion among Tory Brexiteers if the DUP does not back the agreement.

Our political correspondent Adam Forrest has the full report:

Rishi Sunak promises MPs vote on ‘Windsor Framework’ Brexit deal

Windsor framework allows EU and UK to begin ‘new chapter’, says Ursula von der Leyen

Monday 27 February 2023 16:26 , Andy Gregory

Pound surges after UK and EU agree Northern Ireland deal

Monday 27 February 2023 16:25 , Andy Gregory

The pound has jumped higher after Britain and the EU secured a new post-Brexit deal for Northern Ireland.

Sterling leaped 0.7 per cent higher to $1.20 and was 0.3 per cent up at €1.14 after a government source said Rishi Sunak and Ursula von der Leyen had signed a breakthrough deal in Windsor.

Pound surges after UK and EU agree Northern Ireland deal

New deal paves way for UK scientists to join EU research programme, says von der Leyen

Monday 27 February 2023 16:17 , Andy Gregory

The new Northern Ireland Protocol deal paves the way for the UK joining the EU Horizon research programme, Ursula von der Leyen said.

The European Commission president said: “This Windsor Framework is good news for scientists and researchers in the European Union and in the UK.

“Because, of course, the moment we have finished this agreement – it’s an agreement in principle – the moment it’s implemented I am happy to start immediately right now the work on an association agreement, which is the precondition to join Horizon Europe.

“So good news for all those who are working in research and science.”

‘Stormont brake’ will place Northern Ireland in ‘control of their destiny’, says Sunak

Monday 27 February 2023 16:12 , Andy Gregory

Asked whether he believed unionists will accept “different treatment” in Northern Ireland, Rishi Sunak said people will see the new deal “delivers significant improvements in almost every aspect of their lives” that have been negatively impacted by the protocol.

Speaking at a press conference alongside Ursula von der Leyen in Windsor, he acknowledged Northern Ireland has access to the single market and to avoid a hard border with the Republic there is a “lot of EU law”.

But Mr Sunak said the new deal allows for “further democratic accountability”, providing a “very powerful mechanism” for Stormont to use when it has concerns, adding that the agreement is vital to “providing reassurance to everyone in Northern Ireland that they are in control of their destiny”.

New Northern Ireland deal 'removes any sense of border in Irish Sea', Sunak says

Monday 27 February 2023 16:04 , Andy Gregory

‘Definitive’ new deal will provide ‘longlasting solutions’, says von der Leyen

Monday 27 February 2023 16:00 , Andy Gregory

Ursula von der Leyen has hailed today’s “definitive” deal as providing “longlasting solutions”.

This new framework will allow us to begin a new chapter. It provides for longlasting solutions that both of us are confident will work for all people and businesses in Northern Ireland. Solutions that respond directly to the concerns they have raised.

She added: “The new arrangements are delivering a comprehensive package, so that we can address in a definitive way the issues faced in everyday lives.”

Highlighting two key examples, Ms von der Leyen said the new framework “will ensure that the same food will be available on supermarket shelves in Northern Ireland as in the rest of the UK”, and “will permanently enable all medicines, including novel ones, to be available in Northern Ireland at the same time, under the same conditions, across the UK”.

Watch: Sunak hails ‘decisive’ agreement with EU over Brexit protocol

Monday 27 February 2023 15:55 , Andy Gregory

Ursula von der Leyen hails ‘honesty’ and hard work in securing deal

Monday 27 February 2023 15:54 , Andy Gregory

Ursula von der Leyen has stressed the importance of “honesty” in reaching today’s deal.

“I remember our first discussions when we saw eye to eye on how to support our Ukrainian friends. And I was encouraged by our trustful and strong cooperation on this crucial geostrategic issue,” the European Commission president said.

“But I also remember how the two of us were honest with each other about the difficulties in our bilateral relationship, and it was vital to put that on the right footing too.

“We committed to work hard together to do so. We knew that for us to be able to make the most of the potential of our partnership, solutions were needed for the issues around the protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland.

“We knew it was not going to be easy. We knew we needed to listen to each other’s concerns very carefully, above all we had to listen to the concerns of the people of Northern Ireland.

“We knew we had to work hard with clear minds and determination, but we also both knew, dear Rishi, that we could do it because we were both generally committed to finding the practical solution for people and for all communities in Northern Ireland.”

“Today we can take pride in the fact that we have delivered on that commitment.”

Deal marks ‘turning point for Northern Ireland’, says Sunak

Monday 27 February 2023 15:49 , Andy Gregory

Ending his address, Rishi Sunak said: “I believe the Windsor framework marks a turning point for the people of Northern Ireland. It fixes the practical problems they face. It preserves the balance of the Belfast Good Friday Agreement.”

Today’s agreement is about “stability”, “real people” and “real businesses”, he continued. It is about “breaking down the barriers between us, setting aside the arguments that for too long have divided us, and remembering that fellow feeling that defines us, this family of nations, this United Kingdom”.

What have Sunak and von der Leyen agreed today?

Monday 27 February 2023 15:45 , Andy Gregory

Rishi Sunak says he believes he and Ursula von der Leyen have found ways to end the uncertainty in Northern Ireland.

Our political correspondent Adam Forrest reports:

• Sunak said GB goods destined for NI will travel through new “green lane” in which customs bureaucracy will be scrapped, with a red lane for goods destined for the Republic of Ireland. The PM said claimed it ended any sense of a “border in the Irish Sea”.

• Sunak said the deal protects NI’s place in the union – handing over from the EU to UK powers of VAT, alcohol duty and other areas.

• Sunak said the deal “safeguards sovereignty”. The PM said there was a new “Stormont break” – allowing the Northern Ireland Assembly will be able to pull an “emergency break” on changes to EU goods rules which may apply to NI. The UK government will have a veto.

Sunak hails ‘new chapter’ in UK-EU relationship

Monday 27 February 2023 15:41 , Andy Gregory

Today’s agreement delivers smooth-flowing trade within the whole of the UK, protects Northern Ireland’s place within our union, and safeguards sovereignty for the people of Northern Ireland, Rishi Sunak has said.

These negotiations have not always been easy, the prime minister said.

He paid “enormous” tribute to Ursula von der Leyen for “her vision in recognising the possibility of a new way forward”.

The UK and EU may have “had our differences in the past, but we are allies, trading partners and friends”, Mr Sunak said.

“This is the beginning of a new chapter in our relationship.”

Sunak hails ‘decisive breakthrough'

Monday 27 February 2023 15:38 , Andy Gregory

Rishi Sunak is introducing his new deal at a press conference with Ursula von der Leyen.

“I’m pleased to report that we have now made a decisive breakthrough. Together we have changed the original protocol and are today announcing the new Windsor framework.”

Northern Ireland Protocol: The Top 10 ways Brexit finally got done

Monday 27 February 2023 15:20 , Matt Mathers

How did Rishi Sunak cut the Gordian knot of securing a new agreement on Northern Ireland?

John Rentoul, our chief politics commentator, takes a look and says there are 10 key ways the PM finally got Brexit done.

Read Joh’s full piece here:

The Top 10 ways Brexit finally got done | John Rentoul

Watch: Sunak and von der Leyen to formally announce deal at news conference

Monday 27 February 2023 15:16 , Matt Mathers

Deal is an opporunity for everyone to move forward - Labour

Monday 27 February 2023 15:06 , Matt Mathers

Responding to the deal struck by Rishi Sunak and Ursula von der Leyen, shadow Northern Ireland secretary Peter Kyle said: "Today is an opportunity for Northern Ireland, the UK and EU to move forwards.

"Attention should be on the contents of any protocol deal. Parties and communities in Northern Ireland will need some time to assess the deal.

"Labour stands ready to act in all Northern Ireland’s interests."

Pound surges higher as UK and EU agree NI Brexit deal

Monday 27 February 2023 14:58 , Matt Mathers

The pound has jumped higher after Britain and the EU secured a new post-Brexit deal for Northern Ireland in a move set to end long-running tensions following the UK’s withdrawal.

Sterling leaped 0.7% higher to 1.20 US dollars and was 0.3% up at 1.14 euros after a Government source said Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen had signed a breakthrough deal at a meeting in Windsor, Berkshire.

The FTSE 100 Index was also trading 0.6% or 50.7 points higher at 7929.4 in afternoon trading on Monday.

Dorries lashes out at Baker over support for deal

Monday 27 February 2023 14:53 , Matt Mathers

Boris Johnson ally Nadine Dorries, former culture secretary, attacked Mr Baker for “gushing about the deal, Adam Forrest reports.

She said: “He was a key agitator to remove Boris Johnson. What shred of credibility he has left would be destroyed if he came out against Sunak.

“He has nowhere else to go other than to grin and support”.

Northern Ireland Protocol: Being on good terms with the EU used to feel impossible – not anymore

Monday 27 February 2023 14:51 , Matt Mathers

This is a formidable technical negotiating achievement, writes the former UK Brexit secretary David Davis.

Read David’s full article here:

Being on good terms with the EU used to feel impossible – not anymore | David Davis

Donaldson denies report DUP will back deal

Monday 27 February 2023 14:45 , Matt Mathers

Jeffrey Donaldson has denied a report that the DUP has already committed to backing Rishi Sunak’s Brexit deal.

The Irish News said the party had agreed to support an agreement to fix the protocol and would explain the decision at a dinner later.

But Mr Donaldson said the story was “entirely false”, adding that his party would “take our time” to consider the details.

“Anonymous source strike again,” he 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 - story entirely fictional. Let’s stick to the facts @irish_news”.

Breaking: UK and EU agree Brexit deal - BBC

Monday 27 February 2023 14:29 , Matt Mathers

The UK and EU have agreed on a Brexit deal to deal to fix the Northern Ireland protocol.

“An agreement has been reached. The deal is done,” a senior government said.

Rishi Sunak and Ursula von der Leyen held talks on reaching an agreement earlier.

Kate Devlin and Adam Forrest report.

Monday 27 February 2023 14:09 , Andy Gregory

Here is the agenda for the Commons today:

Rishi Sunak is also due to make a statement to MPs about the Northern Ireland Protocol at 6:30pm.

Sunak welcomes von der Leyen in Windsor

Monday 27 February 2023 13:37 , Andy Gregory

Rishi Sunak has welcomed European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen at the Fairmont Windsor Park hotel in Englefield Green.

No 10 defends decision to advise King to meet with EU chief

Monday 27 February 2023 13:24 , Andy Gregory

Downing Street has defended the move to advise the King to meet Ursula von der Leyen, saying Rishi Sunak “fundamentally” believes the final decision is for the monarch to make.

“He firmly believes it’s for the King to make those decisions,” said the PM’s official spokesperson. Buckingham Palace has said Charles is acting on “the government’s advice”.

“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,” Mr Sunak’s spokesperson said.

Asked why the final protocol talks were taking place in Windsor, he said: “There are a number of occasions when these sorts of talks have been held in significant locations, this is no different.”

Sunak pictured arriving for talks with von der Leyen

Monday 27 February 2023 13:18 , Andy Gregory

Rishi Sunak has been pictured arriving at the Fairmont Windsor Park hotel in Englefield Green, ahead of his meeting with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen.

Sunak looking forward to finding ‘practical solutions’ at Brexit talks

Monday 27 February 2023 13:15 , Andy Gregory

Rishi Sunak has said that he is looking forward to finding “practical solutions” to the “complex challenges” around the Northern Ireland Protocol, at today’s talks.

What is the Northern Ireland protocol?

Monday 27 February 2023 12:57 , Matt Mathers

Jointly agreed by the UK and EU, the protocol is the part of the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement that deals with the main obstacle in the divorce talks – the Irish land border.

To keep the border free flowing, London and Brussels essentially moved new regulatory and customs checks required by Brexit to the Irish Sea.

Full report:

What is the Northern Ireland protocol?

Baroness Betty Boothroyd, first female Commons Speaker, dies aged 93

Monday 27 February 2023 12:38 , Matt Mathers

Baroness Betty Boothroyd, the first woman to be Speaker of the House of Commons, has died, according to current Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle, who said she was “one of a kind”.

Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the House of Commons, said: “Not only was Betty Boothroyd an inspiring woman, but she was also an inspirational politician, and someone I was proud to call my friend.

“To be the first woman Speaker was truly ground-breaking and Betty certainly broke that glass ceiling with panache.”

Rich Booth and Martha McHardy report:

Baroness Betty Boothroyd, first female Commons Speaker, dies aged 93

King’s meeting with von der Leyen will go down ‘very badly’ in NI - DUP

Monday 27 February 2023 12:27 , Matt Mathers

Former DUP leader Arlene Foster said the timing of the meeting between the King and EU Commission president was “crass” and would “go down very badly” in Northern Ireland, Adam Forrest reports.

Sammy Wilson, the DUP’s Brexit spokesperson, said at the weekend that a meeting would be “a cynical use, or abuse of the king” – accusing Mr Sunak of “dragging the king into a hugely controversial political issue, not just in Northern Ireland but even within his own party”.

Jacob Rees-Mogg told GB News on Monday that any meeting involving the EU leader and the King at this stage appeared to be “bouncing people” into supporting the deal “and I think that was a mistake”.

Deal has cabinet backing - reports

Monday 27 February 2023 12:15 , Matt Mathers

Rishi Sunak’s Brexit deal with the EU has the backing of his cabinet, according to a report.

The Times said ministers will not resign in protest at the agreement after being briefed extensively about it over the weekend.

Steve Baker, the Northern Ireland minister, is among those who have given the plan his approval and will get advice sight of the paperwork today.

Mr Baker briefly spoke to broadcasters earlier after leaving No 10 Downing Street. He was asked whether he would support the deal as he left 10 Downing Street.

Mr Baker said: "I can only say this: that the prime minister is on the cusp of securing a really fantastic result for everyone involved."

Sunak ‘looking forward’ to meeting with von der Leyen

Monday 27 February 2023 11:59 , Matt Mathers

Rishi Sunak has said he is “looking forward” to his meeting with EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen later.

The pair are holding “final talks” on a new Brexit deal to resolve trading issues with the Northern Ireland protocol.

The prime minister said they would discuss “shared, practical solutions to the range of challenges” around the post-Brexit trading arrangements.

Ms von der Leyen arrived in London earlier and said she is “glad” to be meeting Mr Sunak.

“I’m looking forward to turning a page and opening a new chapter with our partner and friend.”

Breaking: von der Leyen to meet King Charles

Monday 27 February 2023 11:21 , Matt Mathers

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen will meet with the King at Windsor Castle on Monday afternoon, it is understood.

Adam Forrest will have more on this story as it comes in:

EU’s Ursula von der Leyen will meet King Charles ahead of Brexit deal

Starmer on economy and Brexit deal

Monday 27 February 2023 11:06 , Matt Mathers

Keir Starmer has been speaking to business leaders this morning about his plans for the economy, days after setting out his five “missions” of a future Labour government.

The Labour leader has also been answering questions about Rishi Sunak’s Brexit deal, saying that any agreement is likely to include a continued but small role for the ECJ in Northern Ireland.

He also said he wanted the government to improve relations with the EU, “not just Northern Ireland”.

On the UK economy, he said he wanted to return the UK to being a “rock of economic stability” and develop a new model for growth.

In a speech in the City of London setting out his plan to achieve the highest sustained growth in the G7, he said: “We have heard loud and clear about the need for certainty, that basic truth: chaos has a cost, that investors need a clear framework with policies that are always fully costed, fiscal rules - sound and followed rigorously, constraints accepted, institutions respected and not bypassed.”

He added: “A rock of economic stability. Our entire mission for growth is built on that, and don’t doubt it for a second.

“But, honestly, isn’t that the least we should expect? I think so. Britain needs certainty, yes, but also change.”

Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website