Downing Street dampens DUP hopes that talks on Windsor Framework and Stormont Brake can be reopened with EU

The Prime Minister’s new deal on post-Brexit trading arrangements for Northern Ireland yesterday cleared its first Commons test despite opposition from some Tory MPs and the DUP.

MPs voted 515 to 29, majority 486, in favour of regulations to implement the Stormont brake section of the Windsor Framework.

The Prime Minister’s spokesman today dampened any hopes that EU talks on the deal would be reopened.

They said: “We’ve said consistently that we think we have an agreement that is right for all parties and all peoples in Northern Ireland.

“We gave significant time to parties to consider it and obviously we stand ready to answer further questions, but equally we do need to provide certainty and start seeing some of the benefits that this framework will bring.”

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly is due to meet European Commission vice-president Maros Sefcovic to adopt the Windsor Framework in London on Friday.

No 10 also said that Sunak’s Windsor Framework “provides the right circumstances” for powersharing to be returned at Stormont, but it is up to parties there.

The Prime Minister’s spokesman told reporters today: “It is for the political parties of Northern Ireland to make a decision on powersharing. It’s something we have been calling for consistently.

“We do believe, continue to believe that the framework provides the right circumstances for powersharing to be resumed. I think it was yesterday the DUP continued to acknowledge the progress made and said they wanted to engage further with Government. And of course we are happy to do that, so I’m sure there will be further conversations to be had with the DUP.”

No date has been set for a meeting with the Prime Minister, the official added.

Ealier today, Mr Sunak welcomed the “broad support” for his new deal with Brussels on post-Brexit trading arrangements for Northern Ireland in Wednesday’s Commons vote.

MPs backed regulations to implement a key element of the Windsor Framework by 515 to 29 with just 22 Tory rebels voting against it.

Speaking during a visit to North Wales, Mr Sunak said: “I was really pleased yesterday that there was very strong support for the Windsor Framework and that is because it is the right deal for Northern Ireland.

“It is good for families, for people, for businesses, for communities across Northern Ireland.

“It restores the balance in the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement, it secures Northern Ireland’s place in our precious Union and makes sure Northern Ireland has proper sovereignty.”