Sunak and EU boss hold press conference on Brexit deal - all you need to know

All we know about Rishi Sunak's new deal with the EU

Rishi Sunak earlier unveiled a new deal with the EU aimed at undoing some of Boris Johnson's catastrophic Brexit failures.

After months of intense negotiations and ugly Tory in-fighting, he and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen .

Mr Sunak hopes the new deal can finally bring an end to chaos in the Northern Ireland Assembly and undo some of the onerous trading restrictions agreed by Mr Johnson in 2020.

Here is all we know about the new deal with the EU.

Read more here

TV GRAB northern island press conference

New deal means UK may be able to join EU's flagship research programme

The UK may be able to join the EU’s flagship research programme as a result of the new deal.

Earlier Ursula von der Leyen confirmed the UK will potentially be able to join the £88.6 billion scheme known as Horizon Europe.

Richard 'shuts up' GMB guest who says Hancock 'deserved' being called 'd***head'

When the UK left the EU its membership was ruled out, but part of the trade deal was a new associate membership.

Von der Lewen praised it as “good news” for scientists and researchers on both sides of the Channel.

(Dan Kitwood/AP/REX/Shutterstock)

"Significant progress" made in UK-EU deal but concerns remain, says DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson

The UK-EU deal on Northern Ireland has been described as “significant progress” by the DUP, although concerns remain around key issues.

Party leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson says the party will next study the framework of the Windsor Framework and whether they meet their seven tests*.

He said in a statement: “We welcome the publication of the outcome of the 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."

*

1. Guarantee the sixth article of the Act of the Union 1800

2. Avoid diversion of trade

3. No border in the Irish Sea

4. Giving NI people a say in their laws

5. No checks on goods between GB/NI

6. No new regulatory barriers between NI and rest of UK - unless agreed in Stormont

7. Preserve 'letter and spirit' of NI's position set out in the Good Friday Agreement

(AFP via Getty Images)

Brexiteer Steve Baker "wholeheartedly" backs the deal

Steve Baker, Northern Ireland Officer minister, says he “wholeheartedly” backs the deal agreed between Rishi Sunak and Ursula von der Leyen.

He told the BBC he had thought as late as Sunday he may have to resign over the discussions, but is “delighted”.

He added: “There's going to be some tests, which is reasonable, because I don't think anyone reasonable would want just some random rejection of laws.

"The bottom line is, provided it's a material impediment to trade in Northern Ireland, the Assembly will be able to say no...

"If the Assembly says no, then we will be able to veto the application of that new rule in Northern Ireland. So if sovereignty is the power to say no, which I think it often is, this is a terrific achievement.

"I'm delighted. As late as yesterday, I still thought I might have to resign, but this is, in the end, the mechanism by which I'm sure I can back this wholeheartedly."

(PA)

EU leader Ursula von der Leyen meets King Charles for tea

Fresh fom the press conference with PM Rishi Sunak, Ursula von der Leyen took in tea with King Charles at Windsor Castle.

The move had caused scorn when it was announced, with former Northern Ireland First Minister Arlene Foster describing the move as "crass".

Ahead of the meeting, the PM's spokesman, Max Blain, said government "would never" embroil the king in politics.

He added: "His Majesty has met with a number of foreign leaders recently.

“This is no different."

(PA)

New UK and EU deal “a "genuine response to genuine concerns"

Ireland's deputy leader and foreign affairs minister Micheal Martin has welcomed the deal as a “genuine response to genuine concerns”.

He added: "Today's announcement by European Commission president von der Leyen and UK Prime Minister Sunak that the EU and UK have agreed a new way forward on the protocol is very welcome.

"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.

"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.”

(PA)

Parliament to get a vote on the deal - 'at the appropriate time'

Following a question from the floor, the PM said Parliament will have a vote on the deal.

As to when he was a little more coy, adding it will be at the “appropriate time.”

After coming under pressure to give MPs a say, he pledged the “result will be respected.”

He added: “I think it's important we give everyone the time and the space they need to consider the detail of the framework."

Windsor Framework a 'turning point for Northern Ireland' - PM

The PM has hailed the deal as a "turning point" for Northern Ireland, and added he hopes it is backed by the DUP.

Agreeing it will make an immediate impact on people's lives, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen added: "It provides for long-lasting 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.

"Prime Minister, we worked hard across a wide range of areas. The new arrangements are delivering a comprehensive package so that we can address in a definitive way the issues faced in everyday lives."

Deal a 'decisive breakthrough' and beginning of new chapter between UK and EU

Today's breakthrough has been hailed as the beginning of a new chapter in the relationship between the UK and the EU.

Dubbed the Windsor Framework, the Prime Minister has explained more on how the deal will benefit the people of Northern Ireland "almost immediately".

He said of the deal: "This is the beginning of a new chapter in our relationship.

"For a quarter of a century the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement has endured because at its heart it is respectful to the aspirations and identity of all communities. Today's agreement is about preserving that delicate balance and charting a new way forward for the people of Northern Ireland.

"Today's agreement delivers the smooth flow of trade within the United Kingdom. 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

TV GRAB northern island press conference

Prime minister press conference begins

Rishi Sunak says today's breakthrough deal will deliver "smooth-flowing trade within the whole of the United Kingdom" and protects the sovereignty of Noerthern Ireland.

He added: "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.

"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."

(PA)

Prime Minister to hold press conference at 3.30pm

Rishi Sunak is to hold a press conference in around ten minutes on today's deal.

He will be holding a joint event with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen after the government earlier announced it has struck a deal over the Northern Ireland Protocol.

Watch live below

This afternoon I will hold a press conference with the President of the European Commission @vonderleyen on Northern Ireland.

Watch live online on my channels. pic.twitter.com/NKHG1Uza5s

— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) February 27, 2023

Dorries slams Baker and says he is clinging to 'shred of credibility'

Former culture secretary Nadine Dorries accused her Tory colleague Steve Baker of "gushing" about the deal.

Dorries, still critical of the decision by the Tory party to oust her former boss, wrote on Twitter: "Of course @SteveBakerHW gushing about the deal. He was a key agitator to remove @BorisJohnson.

"We are 28 [points] behind in the polls since. 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."

Hardline Brexiter and Northern Ireland Minister Baker was known to have reservations about the deal, but said ahead of the announcement that Sunak was on the cusp of a "fantastic" deal.

Baker formerly the ERG head, said in April last year that Johnson should be "long gone" after the Partygate scandal was revealed.

(AFP via Getty Images)

Deal struck over the Northern Ireland Protocol

Rishi Sunak and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen have struck a deal over the Northern Ireland Protocol, a senior Government source has said.

The source said: "An agreement has been reached. The deal is done."

The PM will now seek to win the backing of unionists and Tory Eurosceptics.

The Prime Minister the EU chief 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 said.

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

Mr Sunak hopes the deal will win the approval of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) so powersharing can be restored in Northern Ireland to get Stormont back up and running.

DUP support would also be key in convincing Conservative Brexiteers to back the deal as pressure mounted on the Prime Minister to give MPs a Commons vote.

DUP will take 'time to consider' Northern Ireland Protocol

The DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson has said that reports that the party is expected to accept the Protocol are wide of the mark and they will "take time to consider" the deal.

He said: "We’ll take our time to consider the detail and measure a deal against our seven tests."

Donaldson questioned reports by the Irish news journalist Susan Thompson, who said "A dinner has been pencilled in for this evening in London with party supporters to explain the DUP’s rationale for their acceptance of the deal."

The DUP leader since June 2021, Donaldson said no such dinner was planned.

DUP MLA Jonathan Buckley added: "I’ve been asked many times over the weekend about what this week holds. If, as we are led to believe, the PM is to ‘unveil’ a deal with the EU on the NI Protocol, I, alongside colleagues, will judge it wholly on its specific legal content. Not on political or media spin."

Von der Leyen arrives in Windsor

Ursula von der Leyen has arrived at the Fairmont Hotel in Windsor Park, Berkshire, for talks on a new post-Brexit deal for Northern Ireland.

She arrived in an entourage of four cars.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak greeted the European Commission President as she stepped out of her car.

The pair spoke briefly before walking towards the hotel entrance, pausing to speak again just before heading inside.

After the talks, Ms von der Leyen will go on to meet the King.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak welcomes European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen at the Fairmont Windsor Park hotel (PA)

Sunak receives major Baker boost ahead of talks

Rishi Sunak received a massive boost this morning when Northern Ireland minister and hardline Brexiteer Steve Baker emerged smiling from No10.

It came hours before the PM was due to meet the President of the European Commission for protocol crunch talks.

The former ERG chair was said to have told allies in recent days he could resign over the deal.

But he told reporters today: “I can only say this, the prime minister is on the cusp of securing a really fantastic result for everyone involved.”

Foster says King meeting is 'crass and will go down very badly in NI'

Member of the House of Lords, Baroness Foster has had her say.

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.

We must remember this is not the King’s decision but the Government who it appears are tone deaf.

— Arlene Foster DBE PC #ProudofNI. (@ArleneFosterUK) February 27, 2023

Sunak believes 'fundamentally' decision for King to meet EU chief was with Palace

The Prime Minister's official spokesman said Rishi Sunak believes "fundamentally" the decision was 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."

Sunak says he's 'looking forward' to meeting von der Leyen

Rishi Sunak tweeted: "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."

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. https://t.co/AL5PXCrSJd

— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) February 27, 2023

Palace says on government advice Charles will meet von der Leyen

Ursula von der Leyen is meeting the King today after all.

Later this afternoon Charles will hold an audience with the European Commission leader at Windsor Castle, where tea will be served.

A Buckingham Palace 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.”

It is understood they will discuss a range of issues including climate change and the situation in Ukraine.

It's a move that is sure to wind up the Brexiteers, with the Palace making it clear the government has asked for the meeting.

President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen stands next to the late Queen (Getty Images)

Arch-Eurosceptics are sounding off before details of deal even released

Arch-Eurosceptics on the Tory backbenchers are sounding off even before the details of a possible deal have been made public.

The Government is concerned that some hardline ministers could even resign over the new arrangements.

Northern Ireland minister Steve Baker, a former ERG chair, was said to have told allies he could resign.

Northern Ireland minister Steve Baker was said to have told allies he could resign (AFP via Getty Images)

Sunak 'may not have done enough' with DUP

Tory former Cabinet minister Jacob Rees-Mogg said Rishi Sunak may not have done enough to persuade the Democratic Unionist Party to return to powersharing in Stormont.

He told ITV's Good Morning Britain: "From what I've heard, he (Rishi Sunak) has done very well, but I'm not sure he has achieved the objective of getting the DUP (Democratic Unionist Party) back into powersharing, which is the fundamental point of it."

Sunak has 'taken a punt' on winning DUP support but not consulted them

Tory former Cabinet minister Jacob Rees-Mogg said Rishi Sunak had "taken a punt" on winning the support of the Democratic Unionist Party rather than consulting them on what he is planning to agree with the European Union.

He suggested the scale of any revolt facing Mr Sunak would depend on the views of the DUP and former prime minister Boris Johnson.

Mr Rees-Mogg told GB News: "It will all depend on the DUP. If the DUP are against it, I think there will be quite a significant number of Conservatives who are unhappy.

"The position of Boris Johnson is always important. He remains the biggest figure in UK politics and therefore his view will be of fundamental relevance to how this debate is carried out."

The Eurosceptic MP said it appeared there had been "some important concessions" from Brussels.

He added: "My concern over all of this is what sounds to be quite an achievement has been weakened by not consulting the DUP in the first place to ensure their support was on board before it was announced, rather than taking a punt that they may like it afterwards.

"I think that's unfortunate, I think it hasn't necessarily been handled successfully in terms of communications."

DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson (Getty Images)

Starmer says he's expecting Labour to back deal

Keir Starmer says that while he hasn't seen the details of Rishi Sunak's new Brexit deal he's expecting Labour to back it.

"Everyone knows the issues that are outstanding... it's not going to be a surprise - out of the blue".

He said it "almost inevitable" the ECJ will have some part to play.

Starmer says entire UK needs improved relations with EU

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said the entire UK needs improved relations with the European Union "not just Northern Ireland".

Discussing his steps to improve the economy, the Labour leader said "a fixed Brexit deal" was needed.

"A reset relationship with the EU, with the whole of the country, not just Northern Ireland," he continued.

Labour's plan on growth, he added, is "the only show in town".

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said the entire UK needs improved relations with the European Union (PA)

Deal being agreed hinges on DUP support, say Tories

The deal being supported hinges on the support of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), according to prominent Tories.

British unionist politicians in Belfast have been angered by the new trade border in the Irish Sea, claiming it undermines Northern Ireland's place in the UK.

The DUP collapsed Northern Ireland's Protestant-Catholic power-sharing government a year ago in protest and has refused to return until the rules are scrapped or substantially rewritten.

The party has stayed largely silent in recent days, saying it needs to see the details of a deal before deciding whether it meets the party's self-imposed tests.

Jacob Rees-Mogg, a prominent pro-Brexit Tory lawmaker, said acceptance of any deal "will all depend on the DUP. If the DUP are against it, I think there will be quite a significant number of Conservatives who are unhappy."

Mark Francois, who heads the right-wing European Research Group of Tory MPs, said if the deal is not backed by the Democratic Unionist Party it “is simply not going to fly”.

Jacob Rees-Mogg says acceptance of any deal with depend on the DUP (Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

Johnson warns Sunak ditching Northern Ireland bill would be 'great mistake'

Boris Johnson has warned Rishi Sunak that ditching the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill in favour of a new Brexit deal would be a “great mistake”.

The former prime minister urged his successor not to tear up the legislation, which is seen by Brexiteers as the most important bargaining chip with the EU.

A source close to Mr Johnson told the Telegraph over the weekend: “His general thinking is that it would be a great mistake to drop the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill.”

In an interview with Sky News last week, Johnson said it was “important that we wait to see what there may be” in Sunak’s deal.

But the former prime minister went on to say: “I think the best way forward, as I said when I was running the government, is the Northern Ireland bill, which, you know, cleared the Commons very comfortably, I think unamended, when I was in office only a few months ago. So I think that’s the best way forwards.”

Boris Johnson leaving his home today as the new Brexit deal is due to be signed (Jeremy Selwyn)

Major praises Sunak as 'very welcome change'

Sir John Major has praised Rishi Sunak as a "serious politician" and a "very welcome change".

Although they disagree over Brexit, the former PM said of the current Tory leader: “He’s done a great deal to restore respect for our country. He is a serious politician.

"Policy to him is more important than publicity, and that is a very welcome change. I think he’s honest and reliable – as indeed I think the Leader of the Opposition is – and I think that is a very helpful development for Britain to recover.”

Former PM Boris Johnson with current Tory leader Rishi Sunak and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer (Getty Images)

Major says Brexit has been extremely damaging for UK

Former PM Sir John Major said Brexit had been extremely damaging for the UK.

“The land of milk and honey that was held out by the Brexiteers has so far proved to be sour vinegar rather than milk and honey," he said.

“I find it personally quite astonishing that those people who made so many promises about Brexit haven’t retreated in their corners and kept silent about it, rather than boasting about the fact that they ‘got Brexit done’.

"The fact of the matter is, it’s enormously damaging.”

He has been an outspoken critic of former PM and staunch Brexiteer Boris Johnson.

Ex-PM Major urges DUP and Tories to prioritise easing trade

The former Prime Minister Sir John Major has urged the DUP and Conservative MPs to prioritise easing trade with Northern Ireland and restoring the political institutions, above concerns about the role of the European Court of Justice, in assessing a possible deal on the Northern Ireland Protocol.

Speaking to Carolyn Quinn last week, Sir John said he was not aware of what was going on in the private negotiations between the government and the EU.

But he suggested: “The extent to which the European Court of Justice would be involved would be in determining disputes between companies.

"They’re not going to overturn the constitution. Their involvement would be tiny, partial, and occasional.

"And if we can get in a reform all the trade changes we need, the easier access for trade into Northern Ireland, then the fact that there will be a minute, occasional involvement of the ECJ really ought not to stop an agreement being made.

“They talk of democracy. Democracy is thrown away when that Assembly is not sitting. We need them back.”

Sir John criticised Boris Johnson’s Brexit deal, saying: “As far as trade is concerned, the deal that Mr Johnson and Lord Frost did was pretty poor. It was a pretty poor negotiation.

"So there is a need for some reform of the agreement.”

John Major says a deal should prioritise easing trade with Northern Ireland and restoring the political institutions (Getty Images)