Boris Johnson has not yet made a public statement about Rishi Sunak’s Brexit deal, but he is expected to voice his concerns during a speech in London today.
The deal, signed by Mr Sunak on Monday, aims to reduce friction between the UK and Northern Ireland and address longstanding issues with the Protocol.
While an ally of Mr Johnson indicated that he will criticize certain aspects of the deal, he will not oppose it completely.
However, a source close to the former Prime Minister confirmed that he has significant concerns about the plans and supports keeping the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill in place.
This bill would allow the government to revoke the post-Brexit legislation in its entirety if necessary.
Mr Sunak has stated that he will discard the legislation if the EU accepts the deal. Earlier this week, a source close to Mr Johnson told The Guardian that he was studying and contemplating the government’s proposals.
In the meantime, Politics Home reported that the former Prime Minister contacted Northern Ireland’s Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) on Monday to urge them to reconsider supporting the deal.
The DUP’s support is critical for Mr Sunak to proceed with the deal.
However, DUP MP Ian Paisley Jr has already voiced his doubts about the deal, stating that “it doesn’t cut the mustard,” while party leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson warned that there are still key issues of concern. As Mr Johnson prepares to address the public, the fate of the Brexit deal remains uncertain.
