Today, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will meet with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in an attempt to reach a deal, as negotiations have reached a critical juncture. The agreement being negotiated between London and Brussels has been in the works for some time and is anticipated to be finalised today. This contains a provision for Northern Ireland, whose lack of influence over EU regulation changes that may harm it is viewed by many as a “democratic deficit.”
The meeting between Mr. Sunak and Ms. von der Leyen has been anticipated since last week’s postponement of negotiations; however, Buckingham Palace declined to comment on whether this would involve a meeting with the King. Notwithstanding this, it is anticipated that Downing Street will highlight the good aspects of the agreement, such as a better arrangement for Northern Ireland and a reset of relations with the EU.
The prime minister spent Sunday making phone calls and sending text messages to international leaders interested in the deal, as well as discussing the matter with other cabinet officials. Next month, he will meet with French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss small boat crossings in the English Channel.
The reestablishment of devolved government in Northern Ireland is also a conceivable conclusion of these negotiations, although government sources do not discuss it extensively. Jim Allister, head of the DUP, has predicted “unprecedented spin and possibly deception” as pressure mounts on unionists to adhere to the procedure. The DUP has stayed relatively silent on the matter.
The majority of Tory Brexiteers remain sceptical by the agreement, with some already in government and others still to be swayed over. What Prime Minister Boris Johnson could say or do is yet uncertain, but he could also give Mr. Sunak some trouble.
Today, Brexit negotiations reached a pivotal juncture in the final moments preceding a significant political event. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is scheduled to meet with the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, in an effort to reach an agreement between London and Brussels. The agreement would entail a better arrangement for Northern Ireland about changes to EU regulations, as well as a reset of relations with the European Union.
The prime minister spent Sunday discussing the deal with world leaders and cabinet officials, while Buckingham Palace denied rumours of a meeting with the King. Jim Allister, the head of the DUP, has forecast ‘extraordinary spin and possibly deception’ to convince unionists to agree to the procedure. The DUP has stayed silent on the matter. Tory Brexiteers continue to be unconvinced, but the administration is optimistic that this will lead to the restoration of devolved government in Northern Ireland.
It is anticipated that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will achieve an agreement today, which could perhaps lead to a better solution for Northern Ireland and a reset of relations with the EU. It remains to be seen how effective these negotiations will be and whether or not they will result in the reestablishment of devolved government in Northern Ireland, as Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s involvement in the situation remains somewhat ambiguous.
