Brexit: 'Deal is done' SDLP leader tells DUP ahead of vote

Colum Eastwood said it was now time for the DUP to make a decision on leading

SDLP leader Colum Eastwood has said that a deal is done on the Windsor Framework and the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) should get back into Stormont.

The DUP will vote against the UK government's new Brexit plans in Parliament this week.

Its leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said there were "outstanding issues".

But Downing Street has said there are no plans for substantial change to the deal.

MPs will be given a chance to vote on the so-called "Stormont Brake" aspect of the Windsor Framework on Wednesday.

The framework builds on the Northern Ireland Protocol, which led to disagreements between the UK and European Union (EU) over trade rules.

'A massive improvement'

The "Stormont Brake" mechanism aims to give the Northern Ireland Assembly a greater say on how EU laws apply to NI.

On Tuesday, the European Research Group (ERG) labelled it "practically useless" but declined to say whether they will vote against the deal or not.

Meanwhile, Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris has defended the new deal under questioning from MPs.

He was appearing before the House of Commons EU Scrutiny Committee.

Mr Heaton Harris faced sceptical questioning from Conservative David Jones, who said he had not yet been given evidence to support the government's claim that the deal removes 1,700 pages of EU law from Northern Ireland.

The secretary of state said the framework was a "massive, massive improvement" on the original Northern Ireland Protocol.

He added it was his sincere belief that the framework would enhance Northern Ireland's prosperity, which would help maintain its place in the UK.

'Vote through anyway'

Mr Eastwood told BBC News NI that the government would vote through the plans regardless of the DUP's stance.

"They can have their position on this if they want, but the deal is done, it is absolutely clear.

"They are going to find that out tomorrow when the British government vote this through anyway."

Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said he would continue to work with the government to address "outstanding issues"

He said dual market access was a positive for Northern Ireland and investors were keen to come to create jobs.

"I have been in America for a week nearly, we have dual market access, access into the European market and the British market," added Mr Eastwood.

He said that although his party thought the brake was "a bad idea" they would not oppose it.

"We'll either vote for it or abstain, we will make that decision today," he added.

What is the "Stormont Brake"?

The Windsor Framework was signed to alter the Northern Ireland Protocol - and aims to significantly reduce the number of checks on any goods arriving in Northern Ireland from Great Britain.

The "Stormont Brake" part of the deal will give the Northern Ireland Assembly a greater say on how EU laws apply to Northern Ireland.

Thirty assembly members, from two or more parties, can pause new EU legislation applying in Northern Ireland.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said it was proof that the UK has "taken back control" in the agreement he struck with the EU last month.

His spokesperson said it was "the best deal for the people and businesses of Northern Ireland" and that the PM remained "confident it will be backed by the house" .

Sir Jeffrey said on Monday the DUP had "unanimously agreed" to vote against it because of "ongoing concerns".

He said he wanted to ensure "what the prime minister is claiming is translated into law".

'Stepping stone'

DUP MP Sammy Wilson told BBC News NI on Tuesday that even with the Windsor Framework, European Union laws would "still apply in Northern Ireland and the opportunities to change those laws are totally removed from elected representatives in Northern Ireland".

"Ultimately, whether or not those laws apply will depend upon the willingness of the UK government to stand up to the European Union and the willingness of the European Union to listen to the UK government when it comes to the views that are expressed."

• What is the Stormont brake?

• What does new NI Brexit deal mean for business?

• DUP calls in ex-leaders for Windsor Framework panel

Ulster Unionist Party leader Doug Beattie said that while further reforms were necessary, he believed the Windsor Framework represented "an important stepping stone on rectifying many of the unwarranted challenges from the previous Northern Ireland Protocol".  

"The simple fact is that without a functioning devolved government we cannot address either the opportunities or deal with the challenges of the Windsor Framework," he added.

Mr Eastwood added: "There will be no Stormont Brake at all, if there is no Stormont."

The Windsor Framework was announced by Rishi Sunak and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen last month

The DUP has blocked the functioning of the power-sharing government at Stormont for more than a year in protest at the Northern Ireland Protocol.

The protocol led to new checks being carried out on goods at Northern Ireland ports in order to maintain an open land border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, which is in the EU.

A majority of members of the Northern Ireland Assembly elected in May 2022 were in favour of the protocol, in some form, remaining.

Sinn Féin, Alliance and the SDLP have said improvements are needed to ease its implementation.

Unionist politicians want it replaced with new arrangements.

Meanwhile, EU member states approved key parts of the Windsor Framework at a meeting in Brussels on Tuesday.

They handed the European Commission a mandate to bring forward the relevant changes through the EU-UK Joint Committee when it meets on Friday.