British Prime Minister Boris Johnson faces the threat of losing support from his coalition partner in the House of Commons, the Northern Irish Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) of Northern Ireland, in his negotiations over the UK’s exit from the European Union. Johnson’s Conservative Party does not have an outright majority in the London parliament and is heavily reliant on DUP support.
Johnson is negotiating with the EU on a new customs and VAT agreement for Northern Ireland following the UK’s departure from the EU. DUP leadership says it cannot support Johnson’s Brexit plan because it would loosen Northern Ireland’s ties to Great Britain. The looming DUP dissent is a severe blow to the British prime minister, just hours before he arrives in Brussels for the European summit for final Brexit agreement talks.
The future status of Northern Ireland is a major stumbling block in the negotiations. Between Ireland and Northern Ireland will lie the only land border between the EU and the United Kingdom. Everyone wants to keep that border open without border checks, but Johnson insists that Great Britain also leaves the EU customs union. These two aims are in direct conflict.
The Northern Irish DUP party previously opposed the Brexit deal of former Prime Minister May, which was rejected in parliament three times. If Johnson manages to strike a new deal, he must also present it to parliament for approval. However, his Conservative Party lacks a parliamentary majority.
Meanwhile, the exchange rate of the British pound fell by 0.5% against the dollar and euro within minutes of the DUP statement.
Meanwhile, a draft of the Brexit agreement text is ready in Brussels, according to EURACTIV. French President Emmanuel Macron said the Brexit negotiations are in a final phase and that he trusts a deal can be reached this week.
However, Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said that EU leaders may need to meet again later this month to continue Brexit discussions before the October 31 deadline.