DUP says 'No' to PM deal proposal
Party has concerns over customs and consent issues
Last updated 17th Oct 2019
The DUP rejected today (Thursday) the Brexit deal currently being proposed by Boris Johnson
In a statement from leader Arlene Foster and Nigel Dodds, the party said:
“We have been involved in ongoing discussions with the Government.
"As things stand, we could not support what is being suggested on customs and consent issues and there is a lack of clarity on VAT.
"We will continue to work with the Government to try and get a sensible deal that works for Northern Ireland and protects the economic and constitutional integrity of the United Kingdom."
The DUP has had three meetings with the PM in as many days.
The party is seen as having significant influence over the stance of hardline Tory Brexiteers in the European Research Group (ERG) and hence are crucial in getting any deal approved by MPs.
But, ahead of the DUP's damaging statement, ERG chairman and self-styled "Brexit hardman'' Steve Baker signalled that his group could give its backing.
"We know there will be compromises, but we will be looking at this deal in minute detail, with a view to supporting it,'' he told Sky News after a Downing Street meeting.
"But until we get that text, we can't say.''
Mr Johnson told the 1922 Committee of Tory backbenchers a day before the summit that his situation was like climbing Mount Everest, according to MPs in attendance.
Vehement Brexiteer Mark Francois said: "He said 'We are not quite at the summit, we are at the Hillary Step'.
"'The summit is not far but at the moment there is still cloud around the summit'.''
Earlier on Wednesday, Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay confirmed that the PM will write a letter asking for an Article 50 extension if no deal is in place by Saturday.
This is despite Mr Johnson repeatedly ruling out asking for a further delay under his "do or die'' commitment to leave the EU by the current Halloween deadline.
MPs could decide on Thursday whether Parliament will sit on Saturday after the EU summit.
Their approval for such a move would allow Mr Johnson to put any deal to MPs in a proposed extraordinary sitting of Parliament on Saturday, between 9.30am and 2pm