Posted 1/17/2024, 11:31:00 AM
UK Seeks to Reassure DUP on NI Protocol Flexibility to End Stormont Boycott
- British negotiators held secret talks with EU officials over "wriggle room" in Sunak's Brexit deal for NI, trying to end DUP's Stormont boycott
- Officials conceded no room to renegotiate Windsor Framework, asked EU for favorable language on "Green Lane" implementation
- Hoped confirming EU agrees with UK interpretation could weaken DUP opposition to deal, which is cornerstone of NI post-Brexit trade
- DUP has resisted returning to power-sharing despite Windsor Framework reducing Protocol checks on British goods to NI
- Failure to resolve stand-off increases chances of deadlock lasting beyond next UK general election