No protocol breakthrough as UK and EU agree to ‘scope’ for solutions

There was no breakthrough in the post-Brexit row over the Northern Ireland Protocol following talks between foreign secretary James Cleverly and his European Commission counterpart Maros Sefcovic. There had been speculation the two sides were edging towards technical agreement to ease the implementation of trade checks on good moving between Great Britain and Northern Ireland – but No 10 said there are “still gaps” between the two sides. Labour said signs of progress were “promising” after Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer urged Mr Sunak to ignore the “purity cult” Euroceptic right of his party to secure a protocol pact with Brussels. The trip will saw shadow foreign secretary David Lammy, shadow Northern Ireland secretary Peter Kyle and shadow Cabinet Office minister Baroness Chapman visit Foyle Port to see “first-hand how red tape from the Conservatives’ deal and ongoing uncertainty are affecting trade”. Mr Lammy said: “Recent signs of progress on the protocol are promising – Rishi Sunak must press on and stand up to the ERG hardliners before this window of opportunity closes.” “If the government can reach a deal that delivers for our national interest and the people of Northern Ireland, the Labour party stands ready to do what it takes to get it over the line,” the shadow foreign secretary added.