DUP leader ‘hopeful’ deal can be done on NI protocol but insists work remains

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “Clearly this is a big moment, the next generation of Northern Ireland and its people requires us all, I think, collectively to use our best efforts – particularly the Prime Minister and the European Commission president – to get these issues resolved and to get to a place where the political institutions can be restored,” Sir Jeffrey said. “The decisions that will be taken by the Prime Minister and by the European Commission will either consign Northern Ireland to more division or they will clear a path towards healing and to the restoration of the political institutions.” Mr Sunak’s meeting with the DUP at the Culloden Hotel on Friday lasted significantly longer than his engagements with the other four parties, Sinn Fein, Alliance, the Ulster Unionists and SDLP. “There’s no doubt, the protocol is a consequence of Brexit and the protocol is necessary, and the Prime Minister is in absolutely no doubt of that.” A number 10 spokeswoman said the Prime Minister met the Northern Ireland parties as part of an “engagement process”. She added: “Whilst 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.” Senior figures within the DUP and the European Research Group of the Tory party have warned that any deal must address the oversight role the protocol affords the European Court of Justice in Northern Ireland, as well as dealing with trading difficulties.