Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has traveled to Northern Ireland to hold talks with Stormont party leaders as speculation over a Brexit deal grows. A deal on post-Brexit reading arrangements could reportedly be reached as early as next week. But do you think the Prime Minister should compromise with the European Union to secure a breakthrough? Vote in our poll.
The Northern Ireland Protocol was agreed upon as part of the UK’s withdrawal from the bloc to ensure the free movement of goods across the land border with the Republic of Ireland, which remains in the EU. The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) opposes the Protocol and claims the checks have driven a wedge between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
A spokesperson from 10 Downing Street said on Thursday night: “While talks with the EU are ongoing, ministers continue to engage with relevant stakeholders to ensure any solution fixes the practical problems on the ground, meets our overarching objectives, and safeguards Northern Ireland’s place in the UK’s internal market.
“The Prime Minister and secretary of state for Northern Ireland are traveling to Northern Ireland this evening to speak to political parties as part of this engagement process.”
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Mr Sunak has also reportedly scheduled a meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen this weekend on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference.
Foreign Secretary James Cleverly is due to travel to Brussels to meet with European Commission Vice President Maros Sefcovic. The Foreign Office said the meeting was part of “ongoing engagement and constructive dialogue with the EU to find practical solutions that work for the people of Northern Ireland”.
So what do YOU think? Should the Prime Minister compromise with the EU to secure a breakthrough in Northern Ireland? Vote in our poll and leave your thoughts in the comment section below.
