Support my Brexit deal or face united Ireland, Rishi Sunak says DUP

Hillary and Bill Clinton with Rishi Sunak in Belfast on Wednesday. Photo: Mark Marlow/Shutterstock

Mr Sunak added: “I am a proud unionist. We passionately believe that Northern Ireland is stronger in the UK and the UK is stronger with Northern Ireland in it. So we need to get the institutions up and running and keep them running.”

The DUP boycott of the Northern Ireland Assembly from across the Irish Sea border delayed action on NHS waiting lists and the cost of living crisis. Meanwhile, the desire for Irish reunification has gained momentum in a country that voted to remain in the Brexit referendum.

In the Stormont elections last May, Sinn Féin, which had campaigned for Irish reunification, toppled the DUP and became the largest political party in the region for the first time in its history.

The Good Friday Agreement recognized the right of the people on the island of Ireland to reunite if the border polls in Ireland and Northern Ireland supported it, and «probably» the majority of Northern Irish people supported would have it.

The DUP refused to end the boycott after Mr Sunak agreed to the Windsor Framework, which cuts border controls on British goods because they don't believe it protects Northern Ireland's place in the UK.

Sir Geoffrey vowed that won't do it. was «intimidated» before Mr. Sunak's speech, but came under pressure from other world leaders.

Akshata Murthy, her husband Rishi Sunak, Bill and Hillary Clinton and Leo Varadkar at Queen's University Belfast. Photo: Mark Marlow/Shutterstock

Mr Varadkar said the people of Northern Ireland «deserve a functioning executive», later telling reporters he would be keen to talk to Mr Sunak about the prospect of new DUP guarantees on the structure.

He said the EU would «obviously» consider a similar request for guarantees, but insisted the agreement would not be renegotiated.

Meanwhile, Mr. Clinton suggested that he would support a «slight» tweak to the structure, adding, «I don't think there's anything like [a deal]. I hope this will be enough or can it be tweaked a bit? I certainly know.”

He said the new Brexit deal would make Northern Ireland a magnet for investment because it would provide unique access to the UK and EU markets, as US President Joe Biden stressed in Belfast at last week and removed the «biggest roadblock» Brexit had created for Northern Ireland.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, called on «today's leaders» to «shape Northern Ireland's future together». and said: “The gates to a brighter future are open. All you have to do is go through it.»

But Sir Geoffrey said, «It's a pity the 'gate' has bars, locks, checks and everything we need to see removed if Northern Ireland gains unhindered access to our own domestic market.»