Will Sunak do Brexit deal without DUP?

Welcome to The Independent's Inside Politics newsletter

SUBSCRIBE SUBSCRIBE: £1 FOR 3 MONTHS February 23, 2023 View in browser Hello there, I'm Adam Forrest and welcome to The Independent's Inside Politics newsletter.   Will he? Won't he? And if he will, then when? Rishi Sunak appears to have put a protocol deal with the EU on hold, at least for this week, as he tries to win over the DUP.   Tory MPs in the European Research Group (ERG) are increasing confident Sunak won't sign on the dotted line until he gets a tacit nod of approval from the unionists. But Tory moderates are getting "fed up", telling The Independent the DUP shouldn't get a "veto" on the agreement.   There is progress in strikes. Ministers have been given a green light to talk about settlements that could involve backdated payments. But ministers are under pressure over empty supermarket shelves. Environment secretary Therese Coffey was booed by farmers for refusing to accept food market failure. Inside the bubble Our chief political commentator John Rentoul on what to look out for today:   The Commons sits from 9.30am with environment questions followed by a debate on NHS funding. Sir Laurie Magnus, Rishi Sunak's ethics adviser, will give evidence to the public administration committee at 10am. The Lords will through the Retained EU Law bill line by line. And in Edinburgh, Nicola Sturgeon takes questions at noon. Daily briefing Sunak won't do deal without DUP backing, claims ERG Hardline Brexiteers are confident Sunak won't agree to a protocol deal without DUP approval. But Tory moderates say DUP "can't be allowed to hold a veto". Minister booed by farmers as Brexit blamed for shortages Therese Coffey was booed by farmers after she refused to accept market failure in the supply chain. Campaigners blamed Brexit for shortages. Home Office questionnaires to decide asylum claims Around 12,000 asylum seekers will be sent 10-page questionnaires that could be used to decide their claims, as Sunak struggles to keep his pledge to clear a huge backlog. Enjoying this newsletter? Unlock unlimited, ad-free reading on the website and in The Independent app when you subscribe – plus, benefit from our welcome offer when you join today. Most commented Articles driving the biggest conversations Kate Forbes' church jumps to her defence and accuses critics of 'bigotry' Essential reading Sean O'Grady, The Independent: Blair's 'digital ID' scheme will leave us vulnerable James Moore, The Independent: Want growth? Fix Britain's labour shortages. Allison Pearson, The Telegraph: How stupid does Shamima Begum think the public are? Chris Deerin, New Statesman: The undoing of Nicola Sturgeon We noticed that you might not be registered By registering, you will enjoy limited access to Independent Premium articles, commenting, and virtual events with our leading journalists REGISTER FOR FREE OTHER NEWSLETTERS YOU MIGHT LIKE Climate News Every Friday, 12pm (UK time) Written by Louise Boyle Join now Health Check Every Thursday, 7am (UK time) Written by Rebecca Thomas Join now If you can spare a minute we'd love your feedback on our newsletters. Join the conversation or follow us Please do not reply directly to this email.   You are currently registered to receive The Independent's Inside Politics email. Add us to your safe list of senders.   If you do not want to receive The Independent's Inside Politics email, please unsubscribe. If you no longer wish to receive any newsletters or promotional emails from The Independent, you can unsubscribe here.   This e-mail was sent by Independent Digital News and Media Ltd, 14-18 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1AH. Registered in England and Wales with company number 07320345 Read our privacy notice and cookie policy.