Talks in Belfast - 17 pictures reveal those taking part in talks

The EU and the UK Government are not “anywhere close to a deal” on issues surrounding the Northern Ireland Protocol, DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has said.

The comments came as Irish premier Leo Varadkar, Tanaiste Micheal Martin and UK Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer are all set to hold talks in Northern Ireland.

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Leader of the Ulster Unionist Party Doug Beattie (left), Peter Kyle (second right) Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer during a meeting at Parliament Buildings in Stormon Photo: Liam McBurney

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Leader of the Ulster Unionist Party Doug Beattie (left), Peter Kyle (second left) Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and Shadow leader of the House of Lords Baroness Angela Smith ahead of a meeting at Parliament Buildings in Stormont Photo: Liam McBurney