21 February 2023 , 08:29
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Rishi Sunak is under pressure to get on and seal a deal on Brexit as Tory MPs behave like rats in a sack.
Loud-mouthed Eurosceptics have warned the PM they will revolt if he fails to deliver what they want, with the threat of resignations by ministers.
Ministers have been locked in talks with the EU for more than a year as they try to iron out issues with Boris Johnson’s botched Brexit deal.
They appeared to inch closer to an agreement on changes yesterday as Foreign Secretary James Cleverly held talks with the EU’s Maros Sefcovic on the telephone.
But today, Tory Minister Maria Caulfield dampened hopes of a swift agreement.
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She told Sky News: "I don't know about this week, I know that the Prime Minister is working really hard and working with a number of politicians from across Northern Ireland, politicians within the EU, to try and resolve this."
Rishi Sunak faces a fresh Tory row over Brexit (AFP via Getty Images)Keir Starmer has urged Mr Sunak to give MPs a vote on any new deal as he reaffirmed his offer of Labour support to get it through the Commons amid signs there could be a rebellion from some wings of the Tory party.
But Downing Street declined to commit to a vote, with the PM’s spokesman only saying: "You will hear more from us should an agreement be reached with the EU that reaches the challenges the Prime Minister has set out."
Here's what you need to know.
What is the problem?
Boris Johnson has been warned not to meddle in Brexit talks (PA)The Brexit deal signed by Mr Johnson has led to disruption for goods crossing the Irish Sea, with new checks imposed on those moving from Britain to Northern Ireland.
The Democratic Unionist Party is blocking the formation of a power-sharing executive at Stormont until the problem is sorted.
What does the UK want?
The Government has suggested introducing red and green lanes so lorries transporting goods that will remain in Northern Ireland would be waved through without having to stop.
Only trucks carrying products that will eventually end up in Ireland would be subject to full checks.
Keir Starmer has called on Rishi Sunak to give MPs a say on a new Brexit deal (PA)When will this be sorted?
The British government has been in talks with Brussels for over a year, but it is hoped an agreement could finally be sealed this week.
Foreign Secretary James Cleverly last night spoke to EU counterpart Maros Sefcovic on the telephone.
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They agreed to meet later this week, although a day has not been set.
What is Boris Johnson up to?
The attention-loving ex-PM is accused of fuelling dissent as ministers race to agree new trading arrangements for Northern Ireland.
Guto Harri, who served as his director of communication in No10, yesterday warned there would be grave consequences if Mr Johnson jeopardised a deal.
He told the News Agents podcast: "If we don't have civil war in Northern Ireland, if we don't have a trade war with the Europe, if we manage to leave everybody sufficiently not too dissatisfied then that is a big prize in the current situation.
“I would urge anyone around Boris Johnson who thinks it’s clever to stir things over this to just see the bigger picture, to back off and to let the people in charge try and nail this one.”
Could it all go wrong?
Arch-Eurosceptics on the Tory backbenchers are already sounding off even before the details of a possible detail have been made public.
The Government is concerned that some hardline ministers could even resign over the new arrangements.
But Labour has said they will lend Rishi Sunak support if there is a vote in the Commons.
The DUP has warned it will continue to boycott the Northern Ireland Assembly if they are not satisfied.
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