Take it or leave it, Sunak tells DUP

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SUBSCRIBE SUBSCRIBE: £1 FOR 3 MONTHS March 01, 2023 View in browser Hello there, I'm Adam Forrest and welcome to The Independent's Inside Politics newsletter.   The Tories may be 20 points behind in the polls, but Rishi Sunak is pretty popular with his MPs. The PM was hailed as the all-conquering hero at last night's 1922 Committee meeting, praised to the hilt over his protocol deal.   Allies are keen for Sunak to hold a vote in parliament next week to seize on the "momentum", but the DUP is taking its time on a verdict. No 10 has made clear the PM will press ahead without the DUP's support, and the deal will not be renegotiated with the EU. As Northern Ireland minister Steve Baker put it: "This is the deal ... there is not a different deal available".   Matt Hancock looks like he is in trouble again. WhatsApp messages leaked by his book collaborator Isabel Oakeshott show the ex-health secretary rejected advice to give Covid tests to residents going into care homes. Inside the bubble Our political commentator Andrew Grice on what to look out for today:   Rishi Sunak is heading to Belfast once again as he continues to sell his protocol deal (remaining careful not to be seen pressuring the DUP). The PM should be looking forward to PMQs at noon, for once. Energy secretary Grant Shapps will tell suppliers to pass on lower wholesale costs at a Chatham House speech at 3pm. From March 13, our Inside Politics newsletter will no longer be sent out. Instead, readers will start receiving our other politics newsletter, View from Westminster. If you  do not want to receive View from Westminster, please opt-out by clicking here before 10 March. Daily briefing No changes to Brexit deal, DUP warned Rishi Sunak is not prepared to make changes to his protocol deal as he stares down critics in the DUP and ERG. Hancock rejected advice on care home testing The ex-health secretary rejected advice to give Covid tests to residents going into care homes, leaked messages have revealed. Gove: Parents of truants could have benefits stopped Parents who fail to make sure their kids are at school regularly could see their child benefit stopped, Michael Gove suggested. 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 Two in three Britons want new political party to take on Labour and Tories Essential reading John Rentoul, The Independent: Could Windsor be the turning point for Sunak? Dayna Brackley, The Independent: The real reason behind food shortages Andrew Marr, New Statesman: Why trouble still lies ahead for Sunak Steerpike, The Spectator: SNP's solution to infighting - ban journalists 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.