Tories demand vote on any deal over Northern Ireland

Tory Brexiteers are urging Rishi Sunak to allow a vote on any compromise agreement struck with the EU to end the row over the Northern Ireland protocol.

- ADAM FORREST

No 10 is thought to be close to a deal with Brussels to avoid routine checks on goods moving between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and to reduce the power of European judges in protocol disputes.

But Mr Sunak faces an uphill battle to win over the Democratic Unionist Party DUP) and Tory hardliners in the European Research Group ERG), who remain opposed to a compromise that leaves the protocol in place.

ERG deputy chair David Jones MP told The Independent that a Commons vote would be necessary opening up the prospect of a return to the big parliamentary battles seen in the run-up to Brexit. There would probably need to be a vote in the House of Commons. It is something parliament should opine on,” said Mr Jones, who expects widespread opposition from the Tory party to any compromise that maintains separate rules for Britain and Northern Ireland.

“On this issue, our views and those of the DUP are indistinguishable,” the Brexiteer added. It’s not just the ERG. A lot of party colleagues felt strongly that the sovereignty issue has to be addressed properly.”