DUP agrees deal to return power sharing to Northern Ireland

The DUP has backed a UK Government deal aimed at addressing its concerns over post-Brexit trade barriers, paving the way for power sharing in Northern Ireland to resume.

Northern Ireland has been without a devolved government for almost two years after the DUP walked out in protest over the trade rules, which it said created barriers with the rest of the UK and undermined Belfast’s place in it.

DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said he would drop the blockade on devolution at Stormont once the Government implemented the various legislative assurances and other measures it has offered.

Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton Harris welcomed the step and made clear the Government would deliver on its end of the deal.

Sir Jeffrey told reporters in a post-1am press conference in Co Down that he had secured the “decisive” backing of the 130-strong party executive during a marathon meeting on Monday night.

“I am pleased to report that the party executive has now endorsed the proposals that I have put to them,” he said.

He said the package, which he said would be published by the Government in due course, safeguards Northern Ireland’s place in the Union and restores its place within the UK internal market.

“It will remove checks for goods moving within the UK and remaining in Northern Ireland and will end Northern Ireland automatically following future EU laws,” he said.

“There will be legislation to provide new legal and practical protections for the Acts of Union and which guarantees unfettered access for Northern Ireland businesses to the rest of the United Kingdom.

“In the coming days, in addition to the publication of the details of the new package of proposals, the UK Government will be required to deliver on the legislative commitments they have made to us.”

The support for the deal is not unanimous within the DUP and several senior figures remain fiercely opposed to the proposed agreement to restore power sharing.

Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton Harris responded, saying: “I now believe that all the conditions are in place for the Assembly to return, the parties entitled to form an Executive are meeting tomorrow to discuss these matters and I hope to be able to finalise this deal with the political parties as soon as possible,” he said.

Around 50 protesters assembled outside the executive meeting, many carrying posters and banners warning against a DUP “sellout”.

The party has been using a veto power to block Stormont’s devolved institutions for two years in protest at post-Brexit trading arrangements that have created trade barriers between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

It has been involved in protracted talks with the Government aimed at securing concessions on the arrangements that would address its concerns around trade and sovereignty.

Sinn Fein would be in line to take the First Minister’s job in any restored ministerial executive in Belfast.

Party president Mary Lou McDonald said she was optimistic Stormont could return before the next legislative deadline for forming an administration, 8 February.

“Sinn Fein will now engage with the parties and both governments to ensure we now all press on without delay,” she said.