Labour leader in ROI and NI amid protocol row
Last updated 9th Jun 2022
Post-Brexit arrangements for Northern Ireland expected to dominate discussions when Sir Keir Starmer meets with Irish political leaders in Dublin today (Thursday).
The Labour leader's talks with President Michael D Higgins and Taoiseach Micheal Martin follow discussions with the British-Irish Chamber in Dublin.
His first visit to Ireland while at the helm of the Opposition comes as the UK Government proposes controversial legislation to override the Northern Ireland Protocol.
Sir Keir, who will visit Belfast as part of the trip, will also meet with Irish Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney and Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe.
On Friday, the Labour leader will be in Belfast to meet political leaders in Stormont, where he is expected to call for compromise and negotiation to end the political deadlock over the return of the powersharing Executive.
The DUP has been clear that it will not re-enter devolved institutions until protocol issues are resolved.
The Government intends to use domestic law to override aspects of the post-Brexit arrangements governing Irish Sea trade, which were jointly agreed by the UK and EU as part of the Withdrawal Agreement.
Foreign Secretary Liz Truss announced plans to legislate last month and the Bill is now expected to be published next week.
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