Yesterday, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reached an agreement in Windsor on a new Brexit deal.
Mr. Sunak signed the Windsor Framework, which modifies the Northern Ireland Protocol to help resolve trade and sovereignty issues. The agreement includes the establishment of green and red trade routes in the Irish Sea, as well as the Stormont Brake, which allows the Northern Ireland Assembly to veto any changes to EU law.
Mr Sunak said at a joint press conference with Ms von der Leyen that Parliament will vote on the “breakthrough” deal at the “appropriate time and that vote will be respected”. He added: “I think it’s important we give everyone the time and space they need to consider the detail of the framework we’ve announced today.”
He told BBC Radio 4’s Today Programme on Tuesday: “The framework is what we have agreed with the European Union. It’s an incredibly positive and comprehensive agreement, ensures that we have smooth-flowing trade within the UK internal market … This is not necessarily about me or any one political party. This is about what’s best for the people in communities and businesses in Northern Ireland.”
Mr Sunak’s Brexit deal is not “perfect,” according to Labour Leader Sir Keir Starmer, but he has pledged to support it in the Commons vote. He vowed not to “snipe” or “play political games” that could jeopardise the Windsor Framework’s progress.
“The best move now is for everybody across this House to support this settlement,” former Prime Minister Theresa May said.
Former Brexit Secretary David Davis called the agreement a “formidable achievement” in The Independent.
However, one senior Tory Leaver, Sir Edward Leigh, said the deal was “pretty futile” unless it got the Northern Ireland Assembly up and running again, adding that “it might be downright dangerous”.
So what do you think? Do you support Mr Sunak’s Brexit deal? Let your voice be heard!