The DUP is Stormont’s (Northern Irish Assembly’s) second largest party but it has been blocking a functioning assembly and executive since February 2022. The party collapsed the executive 22 months ago in protest against post-Brexit trade arrangements. Its boycott began as a protest against the Northern Ireland Protocol, and later the Windsor Framework - two international agreements which set out how Northern Ireland trades with Great Britain after Brexit.
The DUP has argued the rules undermine Northern Ireland’s place in the UK internal market by introducing additional checks on the movement of goods.
Progress has been made
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the government was ready to legislate to protect Northern Ireland’s position and would work “at pace”.
Sir Jeffrey said he had been “refining” those issues with the government.
“Significant progress” had been made he told BBC News NI, but any deal would need the approval of DUP officers.
This body has 12 members, including Sir Jeffrey (DUP leader) and the DUP’s deputy leader, Gavin Robinson.
Sir Jeffrey has given a guarantee to his party executive - which is made up of more than 100 members - that they will be able to discuss any decision made by DUP officers.
Frustration from other parties
- Sinn Féin MP John Finucane said “there never has been and there is no excuse now” for the DUP to continue its Stormont boycott.
- Alliance Party MLA Andrew Muir said he was “tired and fed up” with the DUP’s 22-month protest. He said the party had been turning its back on opportunities for Northern Ireland.
- Ulster Unionist Party deputy leader Robbie Butler said he believed the DUP will go for the deal, adding: “If any unionist was serious about protecting the union, they need to be making people’s lives better here, and not impacting [them].”
Calls are being made for the decision to be made as soon as possible as Northern Ireland has been without local governance for 22 months. This is definitely a story to watch in 2024.
The government is lobbying hard to restore Stormont before next Tuesday (19th December), so the legislation can be laid before Parliament before its Christmas recess.