The United Kingdom and European Union have intensified talks over the weekend in an effort to reach an agreement on post-Brexit trading arrangements for Northern Ireland.
Meanwhile, a planned visit to the UK by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was cancelled for operational reasons, unconnected to the political talks, according to the BBC.
The cancellation occurred after Ms von der Leyen had “positive” discussions with UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak regarding the Northern Ireland protocol, which aims to prevent a hard border with Ireland by keeping Northern Ireland in the EU’s single market.
While some reports suggested that Downing Street had hoped Ms von der Leyen would shake hands on a revised pact while visiting and also meet King Charles at Windsor Castle, UK government sources confirmed that her trip was no longer scheduled.
Despite this, Downing Street stated that further talks between Mr Sunak and Ms von der Leyen would occur within the coming days.
The current offer on the table would mean an overhauled protocol that would remove almost all checks and most paperwork on goods crossing the Irish Sea.
However, any announcement of a deal is expected to set up a possible clash with Conservative Brexit hardliners.
The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) has issued seven tests to win its backing for any deal, including addressing what it calls the “democratic deficit” of Northern Ireland being subject to EU rules while not having a say on them.
The Daily Telegraph reported that a breakthrough could come over the weekend and that the DUP is set to be granted a place at the negotiating table when new EU laws that are applicable in Northern Ireland are being written.
Foreign Secretary James Cleverly indicated that ministers will not sign off a deal over the protocol until the DUP’s concerns are addressed.
