NI Protocol: DUP leader encouraged by progress in talks but deal still be struck
But Sir Jeffrey Donaldson is warning that Brussels had to accept that any goods traded in Northern Ireland had to be subject to UK laws
DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has said he is 'encouraged' by the progress made in talks over resolving Northern Ireland Protocol issues.
As yet, though, a deal which was expected to be unveiled this week has yet to be struck.
Sir Jeffrey said Brussels had to accept that any goods traded within Northern Ireland were subject to UK laws and standards and not those of the EU - if there was to be any agreement that would allow his party to return to Stormont.
He was speaking after briefing members of the Tory Eurosceptic European Research Group.
Meanwhile, Veterans Affairs Minister Johnny Mercer says any deal was "not going to sell anyone out."
He told Sky News that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak had "good discussions last week with the European Union" and had "good engagement going on with other MPs".
He added: "Let's give the Prime Minister a chance to come out with something.
"He's attacking this, he is throwing everything he can. He voted for and campaigned hard for Brexit, right?
"So he is not going to sell anyone out or come up with a solution that is unfair or doesn't deliver on what he thinks is Brexit.
"I think, let's give him a chance, let's give him an opportunity to bring some sort of resolution to the protocol and then let's get behind him and get on with all the other challenges we face as a country at the moment."
Asked whether there could be a deal this week, Mr Mercer replied: "I don't know, I hope so."