Sir Keir discussed his party's plans for Northern Ireland if Labor wins the next general election. : Dan Kitwood/Getty Images
Sir Keir Starmer held “detailed and very extensive” talks with the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) over Labour's plans for a closer relationship with the EU.
Sir Geoffrey Donaldson, leader The DUP has said it has opened talks with the Labor Party leader about abolishing the Irish Sea border if they win the next election.
“I have met with Keir Starmer on several occasions and I know what position they are likely to take if a Labor government is formed after the general election,” Sir Geoffrey told The Telegraph.
“Labour is very are well aware of our concerns. and about the problems that need to be addressed,” he said after talks with Hilary Benn, the shadow secretary of state for Northern Ireland.
Sir Geoffrey Donaldson (centre) insists: “I am prepared to work every day to reach an agreement with the current government.” Photo: Charles McQuillan/Getty
Labour has pledged to negotiate a veterinary agreement with Brussels and closer trade relations with the EU if elected.
This could significantly reduce the number of border checks on British goods entering Northern Ireland, which were introduced as part of the Brexit deal negotiated by Boris Johnson.
However, the EU is likely to require the UK to join Brussels. ' rules in exchange for an agreement on animal and plant health standards, which the Tories refused to do. The Labor Party insists the UK will not “accept the rules” if it negotiates a closer relationship with the EU.
Sir Geoffrey said: “I am prepared to work every day to achieve an agreement with the current government.” . I'm not looking forward to a general election. I don't expect a change of government.”
But if there is no agreement before the election campaign, and if Labor wins, “we will work with that government,” he said.
Sir Geoffrey has praised Sir Keir after he recently ruled out a border poll, saying a referendum on Irish reunification would not be “even on the horizon” if he became Prime Minister.
The DUP destroyed power-sharing in 2022 over the Irish Sea border, delaying action on the NHS and the cost of living through the last 20 months.
Rishi Sunak, the prime minister, agreed the Windsor Framework with the European Union in February Union, which introduced a faster green lane for some British goods. However, the DUP said it had not gone far enough in reducing trade disputes.
The DUP is stuck in negotiations with the government over the Windsor Framework, which came into force on October 2 without any breakthrough. .
Sir Geoffrey has warned Sunak that he must secure a Brexit deal with the DUP in the autumn or Stormont will not be restored until after the election, which Labor is expected to win .
Failure to break the deadlock before the general election campaign could mean Stormont remains mothballed until 2025.
Sir Geoffrey urged Mr Sunak to strike a deal now and pass laws protecting Northern Ireland's right to free trade within the UK.
However, he cautioned that legislation cannot be merely “declaratory.” He will have to develop practical steps to remove the bureaucratic red tape that restricts the free movement of goods from the UK.
He said forcing customers to complete customs declarations to buy goods from the UK was “unnecessary and unacceptable” and called for an “absolute minimum” of supply data sharing with the EU for businesses.
“We want to see these discussions concluded and agreement reached this fall. But it must be a credible agreement,” Sir Geoffrey told The Telegraph.
He accused the Prime Minister of undermining the Good Friday Agreement and Northern Ireland's place in the UK by implementing his agreement with the EU in the face of union opposition.
'Northern Ireland cannot be sacrificed'
Sir Geoffrey said: 'I'm quite sure that the Prime Minister does not want his legacy to be that he failed to protect the Good Friday Agreement and peace and stability in Northern Ireland.”
The current Prime Minister “wants to build a good relationship with the EU ” said Sir Geoffrey, but warned: “Northern Ireland must not be sacrificed again.”
“I definitely think the UK government needs to pay a lot more attention to Northern Ireland. ” Sir Geoffrey said, saying he had not met the Prime Minister to discuss the issue since February.
Sir Geoffrey's comments came after the Government said negotiations with the DUP were previously in the “final stages stages.” this month.
They will deny rumors that a deal to restore devolved government to Northern Ireland could be announced at the DUP conference this week.
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