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Great Britain: Brexit dispute over Northern Ireland: talks in Windsor

Great Britain: Brexit dispute over Northern Ireland: talks in Windsor

Years of wrangling over Brexit rules for Northern Ireland could soon come to an end. In Windsor, EU Commission President von der Leyen and British Prime Minister Sunak want to seal an agreement.

In the dispute between Brussels and London over the Brexit rules for the British province of Northern Ireland, an agreement has become increasingly clear.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was optimistic when she arrived in London for talks with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. She was looking forward to “starting a new chapter with our partner and friend,” she wrote on Twitter before being welcomed by Sunak in Windsor, near the capital.

What concessions are there from Brussels?

The aim of the talks in a hotel was to reach an agreement on the so-called Northern Ireland Protocol. Sunak and von der Leyen were expected to present the result at a joint press conference in the afternoon. Then the head of the commission was to be received by King Charles. In the evening, Sunak wanted to inform parliament about the outcome of the talks.

According to media reports, the agreement reached could provide for only random checks to be carried out on goods that are to remain in Northern Ireland. Only if it is intended that the goods will be transported to the Republic of Ireland and thus to the EU should the full formalities arise. There have also been concessions from Brussels on the role played by the European Court of Justice in Northern Ireland, the reports say. If they come true, it is a sign that the EU sees Britain as a reliable partner again under Sunak, British political scientist Anand Menon from King’s College in London told Sky News.

Critics: Sunak wants to exploit König for his purposes

Von der Leyen’s planned meeting with the king caused frowns. The monarch always strictly stays out of daily politics. It is therefore considered unusual that he meets von der Leyen on the very day when a controversial agreement with Brussels is to be concluded. Critics accused Sunak of using the king for his purposes. A spokesman for the prime minister stressed that the decision as to whom the king would receive rested solely with the palace.

Sunak is under pressure from his predecessor Boris Johnson, who may be hoping for a comeback by presenting himself as a proponent of pure Brexit doctrine. But it is now considered unlikely that the Brexit hardliners in the conservative party will revolt. Brexit champion and Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Steve Baker was very optimistic about the expected agreement. The prime minister is on the verge of a “fantastic agreement for all parties involved” in talks with the EU, the Conservative politician told reporters at Downing Street. Recently there was speculation about Baker’s resignation in protest against an agreement.

Source: Stern

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