Rishi Sunak’s new Brexit deal for Northern Ireland has been unveiled in the Windsor Framework after months of hard work. Although this deal has impressed some of Sunak’s most ardent political supporters, both the Conservatives and the Democratic Unionist Party are sceptical (DUP).
The prime minister has been travelling throughout the United Kingdom to promote the agreement, which is founded on a strong personal relationship and mutual trust with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Conservative MPs who were initially critical of him have, to his surprise, responded favourably.
However, a degree of caution remains with regard to the transaction. Peter Bone, an experienced Conservative member of parliament, remarked that it was reminiscent of the hours and days following a Budget, when the government promotes its goods but critics can still find flaws in the specifics. The European Research Group of Conservative MPs also expressed scepticism, stating that they would require approximately two weeks to evaluate the framework.
Boris Johnson has not yet weighed in on the matter, but the focus has now shifted to the DUP. Their opinion will be crucial in determining how many people ultimately feel about the deal and whether or not its primary objective has been met.
Before forming an opinion, Rishi Sunak and his government are now giving the public time to read and comprehend the framework’s specifics. It remains to be seen how many people support the agreement, but for the time being, all eyes are on the DUP.
