Rishi’s Brexit deal ‘lacks substance’—YOUR VERDICT

Ann Widdecombe shares her views on Windsor Brexit Framework

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s new Brexit deal aims to end the ongoing row over the Northern Ireland Protocol, resolve trading arrangements and protect sovereignty. However, a new Express.co.uk poll shows 57 percent of readers do not support the deal.

Mr Sunak signed the Windsor Framework with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Monday, February 27, describing it as a “breakthrough” deal.

In a joint press conference, the pair described the deal including the creation of green and red trade routes and the new Stormont Brake to allow the Northern Ireland Assembly to block any European Union law changes.

MPs will be given the opportunity to vote on the deal at the “appropriate time”. Mr Sunak said: “I think it’s important we give everyone the time and space they need to consider the detail of the framework we’ve announced today.”

Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today Programme on Tuesday, February 28, Mr Sunak said: “The framework is what we have agreed with the European Union. It’s an incredibly positive and comprehensive agreement, ensures that we have smooth-flowing trade within the UK internal market…This is not necessarily about me or any one political party. This is about what’s best for the people in communities and businesses in Northern Ireland.”

In a poll that ran from 11am on Tuesday, February 28, to 2pm on Wednesday, March 1, Express.co.uk asked readers: “Do you back Rishi Sunak’s deal?”

Overall, 10.358 votes were cast with the vast majority of readers, 57 percent (5,866 people), answering “no” against the Windsor Framework.

Whereas 37 percent (3,803 people) said “yes” in support of the deal, and a further six percent (689 people) said they did not know.

Thousands of comments were left below the accompanying article as readers debated Mr Sunak’s new Brexit deal.

Many readers argued against the Windsor Framework, with username servative2 writing: “No, I don’t back Sunak’s ‘deal’. It’s yet another sell-out. It’s all gloss and has no substance.”

Username whyhatethetruth said: “Nope, I don’t support it! The EU should have no say whatsoever on any soil of the UK. That’s why we voted to Leave!”

Username ursh45 wrote: “No I don’t, he has sold us out.”

Other readers thought that more information needed to be released before making an informed decision. Username Littleislander commented: “The devil will be in the detail.”

DON’T MISS:

Sunak on alert for first Brexit deal revolt after fresh DUP hint [UPDATE]
Brexit Britain to become ‘world leader’ in crypto regulation [LATEST]
If Sunak sold out NI for 30 pieces of silver he’ll be worst Tory PM [COMMENT]

Likewise, username uncivilservant said: “Impossible to say, the devil is in the details and we haven’t had time to see.”

Another, username bestcomment, wrote: “How can anyone say yes or no when they don’t know what’s in the agreement or the ramifications of it?”

Username justmy2cents said: “There are too few details available, and those we have seen do not point to a proper UK independence.

While username Robert Ward said: “For me, I think it is right that the DUP and the ERG take their time in digesting this and putting this deal under close scrutiny and examination.”

However, some readers supported the new deal, with username Marnai commenting: “It’s actually a pretty good deal. We couldn’t get any better. It resolves all the trade problems between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.”

Similarly, username Billj39 wrote: “The agreement seems sensible. It moves the UK to have a much-simplified trade relationship with the EU with much of the red tape now scrapped.”

Username TobyB1960 said: “Anything is better than Boris [Johnson’s] deal!”

While username ginni3999 remarked: “He’s made a breakthrough but will it go far enough for the DUP.”

The success of the deal will depend upon whether the Northern Ireland Assembly – which has been suspended since February 2022 – can be restored. The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) previously rejected Stormont’s power-sharing agreement over the Northern Ireland Protocol.

DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said on Tuesday: “I see opportunity of course, in terms of growing the Northern Ireland economy but is this the right framework in which to do it?” He said that the DUP would take legal advice and that his Party “want to be sure that what is on the table does what it says and that it is good for Northern Ireland”.

Sinn Féin vice-president Michelle O’Neill said on Twitter: “I have spoken with Rishi Sunak by telephone. I welcomed yesterday’s breakthrough. The deal is now done. My key message is to let’s keep momentum going. The priority must now be getting Stormont up and moving without delay.”

Labour Leader Sir Keir Starmer remarked that Mr Sunak’s deal is not “perfect” but vowed to vote in support of it. He pledged not to “snipe” or “play political games” which could risk the progress of the Windsor Framework.

Source: Read Full Article