Politics

UK says Northern Ireland deal won’t happen without DUP blessing

Both the EU and UK are looking for a breakthrough in talks over a new Brexit deal for the region

James Cleverly, the UK Foreign Secretary, said the EU and UK are both working to address unionist concerns. Picture: Getty

The UK government has said it will not give a deal on the Northern Ireland protocol its blessing unless it has the support of the DUP.

James Cleverly, the UK foreign minister, said Brexit talks are currently focused on addressing the concerns of the unionist party.

"When, hopefully, we get those issues resolved then I would hope that the DUP would recognise that we've addressed their concerns,” he said in an interview with Times Radio.