NI Protocol: Govt admits there is 'no finished deal' yet

Downing Street has said "long-lasting challenges" under the Northern Ireland Protocol still need to be addressed as "progress" was made in talks with the EU.

The Prime Minister's official spokesman said Rishi Sunak told his Cabinet meeting "intensive negotiations with the EU continue on resolving the issues with the way the protocol was being enforced".

The spokesman said there was no discussion about the future of the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill and that Mr Sunak was not disappointed at being unable to present the meeting with a finished deal.

"Negotiations have progressed and that is to be welcomed, but there still remain a number of unresolved issues.

"And as is the nature of these negotiations it is often some of the more long lasting challenges that need to be addressed as you get to this point and that's not unusual," the spokesman said.

Asked why Mr Sunak had not been updating members of the DUP and ERG about the negotiations earlier, the spokesman said: "I wouldn't agree with the premise of the question, we have been speaking to relevant parties at the appropriate times throughout this process.

"Engagement will continue as we continue to negotiate, emphasising there are still intensive negotiations ongoing. There is no finished deal."