Political change in Northern Ireland often happens at a glacial pace; deadlines come and go. Mr Sunak told MPs he would be “resolute in fighting for what is best for Northern Ireland and the UK” and a deal must guarantee “sovereignty for Northern Ireland” and its place “in our precious Union”. One problem for Mr Sunak is the extending timescale; the longer an agreement doesn’t materialise, the greater the chance things could unravel. Politically, however, it wouldn’t be a good look if Mr Sunak has to rely on Labour votes. He’s unhappy the party leader has all but shelved his Northern Ireland Protocol Bill, which would empower the UK Government to ignore parts of the Brexit deal.

Source: The Herald February 24, 2023 19:31 UTC