Will DUP accept Sunak’s ‘triumph’?

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SUBSCRIBE SUBSCRIBE March 02, 2023 View in browser Rishi Sunak gets deal over the line – but unionist verdict awaits Rishi Sunak struck far-reaching protocol deal with EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen (PA Images) It was to be Windsor in winter for the whirlwind romance. Rishi Sunak and Ursula von der Leyen choose the Guildhall – a wedding venue for both actual and showbiz royalty – to announce a new kind of union between the UK and EU. The happy couple revealed their Windsor Framework, a far-reaching overhaul to the Northern Ireland Protocol. Brexiteer minister Steve Baker declared it a "triumph". His old friend Lord Frost begrudgingly backed it too, despite calling it a "bitter pill" to swallow. The former Brexit negotiator pointed out that the "Stormont Brake" part of the deal – which gives the NI assembly the power to halt new EU goods rules – is not all it is cracked up to be. The DUP is not on board. Yet. Party officials say it could take months before they finally declare a verdict and decide whether to return to Stormont. But it's fair to say the DUP and the hardest of hardline Tories in the ERG find themselves ghosts at the feast, while everyone else toasts the nuptials. The Brexit Headlines  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. UK set to join EU Horizon scheme after deal Von der Leyen said the protocol deal was "good news for science", revealing she wants the UK ratified in the Horizon scheme. Steve Baker reveals mental health crisis over Brexit The former ERG chief, now NI minister, said seven years of Brexit battles "cost me my mental health" as he heaped praise on the Sunak deal. Opinion of the week Rishi Sunak:   "Northern Ireland is in the unbelievably special position … privileged access, not just to the UK home market but also the EU single market". 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. STAT OF THE WEEK 3% Proportion of EU goods rules which now apply in NI What you might have missed Sunak was mocked for saying Northern Ireland was the world's "most exciting economic zone" because of access to the EU single market. Ex-Brexit negotiator David Frost begrudgingly backed the Sunak deal, but said it was a "bitter pill" to swallow. The King's meeting with the EU chief as she struck the deal in Windsor was "constitutionally unwise", said Jacob Rees-Mogg. 54% of Britons would vote Remain if the referendum was held again, compared to 32% who would vote Leave, a new poll found. Plans to scrap all EU laws by the end of 2023 was branded an "anarchist revolution" by Tory peer Lord Debden. 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 Most commented Articles driving the biggest conversations Where are you, Boris? Ex-PM mulls rebellion over Brexit deal Articles available exclusively to subscribers Brexit has split the Tory party for years – so what happens now? OTHER NEWSLETTERS YOU MIGHT LIKE Health Check Every Thursday, 7am (UK time) Written by Rebecca Thomas Join now Morning Headlines Weekdays, 8am (UK time) Written by the UK team Join now If you can spare a minute we'd love your feedback on our newsletters. Join the conversation or follow us Download the free Independent app Please do not reply directly to this email You are currently registered to receive The Independent's Brexit and beyond newsletter. Add us to your safe list of senders.   If you do not want to receive The Independent's Brexit and beyond newsletter, 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.