The DUP has backed the UK Government’s deal aimed at addressing concerns about post-Brexit trade barriers and paving the way for the resumption of power sharing in Northern Ireland.
Northern Ireland has been under a devolved government for almost two years since the DUP left in protest over trade rules, saying they created barriers with the rest of the UK and undermined Belfast’s standing in the UK. It continues to be non-existent.
DUP leader Sir Geoffrey Donaldson said the blockade on devolution at Stormont would be lifted if the government implemented a range of legal safeguards and other measures put forward.
Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris welcomed the move and said the government would implement the end of the agreement.
Sir Jeffrey told reporters at a shortly after 1am press conference in County Down that he had secured the “decisive” support of the 130-member party executive at a marathon meeting on Monday night.
“I am happy to report that the party executive has supported the proposal I submitted,” he said.
He said the package, which the government said would be published in due course, would protect Northern Ireland’s place within the Union and restore its place within the UK domestic market.
He said: “Checks for goods that move within the UK and remain in Northern Ireland will be abolished and Northern Ireland will automatically close under future EU law.”
“There will be legislation that provides new legal and practical protections to the Act of Union and ensures that businesses in Northern Ireland have unfettered access to the rest of the UK.
“In the coming days, in addition to publishing details of a new set of proposals, the UK Government will be required to deliver on the legislative commitments it has made to us.”
Support for the deal is not unanimous within the DUP, with several senior officials still strongly opposed to the proposed deal that would restore power-sharing.
In response, Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris said: “We currently believe that all conditions are in place for Parliament to reopen. The parties eligible to form the executive will meet tomorrow and these “We will discuss the matter and we hope to be able to make a final decision.” We need to deal with political parties as soon as possible.”
Around 50 protesters gathered outside the executive meeting, many carrying posters and banners warning of a DUP “sell-out”.
The party has been using its veto power for two years to block Stormont’s devolved body in protest against a post-Brexit trade deal that created trade barriers between Britain and Northern Ireland.
It has been engaged in long-running talks with governments aimed at securing concessions in a deal that addresses trade and sovereignty concerns.
Sinn Féin will take up the premiership in Belfast in a restored cabinet.
Party leader Mary Lou MacDonald said she was optimistic Mr Stormont could return before the next legislative deadline on February 8.
“Sinn Féin will now work with the parties and both governments to ensure we can all move forward without delay,” she said.