Menu
30/01/2024
DUP Agrees Deal To End Boycott Of NI Powersharing
After a 23-month break, powersharing in Northern Ireland will be restored following a decision by the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP).
The DUP had been blocking a functioning assembly and executive due to concerns about post-Brexit trade arrangements.
In the early hours of today, 30 January, the DUP reached an agreement with the government which will see the party re-enter the institutions. However, their re-entry is subject to new legislation.
This means that the NI executive is likely to return before an 8 February deadline for forming an administration.
In a statement Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP said: "The Party has concluded that subject to the binding commitments between the Democratic Unionist Party and the UK Government being fully and faithfully delivered as agreed, including the tabling and passing of new legislative measures in Parliament, and final agreement on a timetable, the package of measures in totality does provide a basis for our party to nominate members to the Northern Ireland Executive thus seeing the restoration of the locally elected institutions.
"We recognise that significant further advances have been achieved through these negotiations and the details of the new package of measures will be published by the UK Government in due course.
"This package I believe safeguards Northern Ireland’s place in the Union and will restore our place within the UK Internal Market. It will remove checks for goods moving within the UK, and remaining in Northern Ireland, and will end Northern Ireland automatically following future EU laws.
"There will be legislation to provide new legal and practical protections for the Acts of Union and which guarantees unfettered access for Northern Ireland businesses to the rest of the United Kingdom.
"In the coming days, in addition to the publication of the details of the new package of proposals, the UK Government will be required to deliver on the legislative commitments they have made to us.
"I am pleased to indicate that we have also secured a basis for cross-party support at Westminster for the measures negotiated. Therefore, regardless of who forms the next UK Government these agreed measures will be taken forward beyond the forthcoming General Election."
The DUP had been blocking a functioning assembly and executive due to concerns about post-Brexit trade arrangements.
In the early hours of today, 30 January, the DUP reached an agreement with the government which will see the party re-enter the institutions. However, their re-entry is subject to new legislation.
This means that the NI executive is likely to return before an 8 February deadline for forming an administration.
In a statement Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP said: "The Party has concluded that subject to the binding commitments between the Democratic Unionist Party and the UK Government being fully and faithfully delivered as agreed, including the tabling and passing of new legislative measures in Parliament, and final agreement on a timetable, the package of measures in totality does provide a basis for our party to nominate members to the Northern Ireland Executive thus seeing the restoration of the locally elected institutions.
"We recognise that significant further advances have been achieved through these negotiations and the details of the new package of measures will be published by the UK Government in due course.
"This package I believe safeguards Northern Ireland’s place in the Union and will restore our place within the UK Internal Market. It will remove checks for goods moving within the UK, and remaining in Northern Ireland, and will end Northern Ireland automatically following future EU laws.
"There will be legislation to provide new legal and practical protections for the Acts of Union and which guarantees unfettered access for Northern Ireland businesses to the rest of the United Kingdom.
"In the coming days, in addition to the publication of the details of the new package of proposals, the UK Government will be required to deliver on the legislative commitments they have made to us.
"I am pleased to indicate that we have also secured a basis for cross-party support at Westminster for the measures negotiated. Therefore, regardless of who forms the next UK Government these agreed measures will be taken forward beyond the forthcoming General Election."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
18 March 2014
'Designated Days' Policy Proposed
South Belfast Alliance MLA Anna Lo has proposed an amendment to the Local Government Bill that will allow the union flag to be flown on council headquarters across Northern Ireland on designated days.
'Designated Days' Policy Proposed
South Belfast Alliance MLA Anna Lo has proposed an amendment to the Local Government Bill that will allow the union flag to be flown on council headquarters across Northern Ireland on designated days.
11 January 2022
Finyx To Create 20 New Jobs In Belfast
Finyx, a boutique technology advisory firm, has announced its expansion into Northern Ireland, creating 20 new jobs. Headquartered in London, Finyx provides digital services and advice to central government departments and large organisations such as financial institutions.
Finyx To Create 20 New Jobs In Belfast
Finyx, a boutique technology advisory firm, has announced its expansion into Northern Ireland, creating 20 new jobs. Headquartered in London, Finyx provides digital services and advice to central government departments and large organisations such as financial institutions.
11 May 2023
Green Party Launches Local Government Manifesto
The Green Party has committed to "greener, cleaner, fairer" communities across Northern Ireland, as they launch their local government manifesto.
Green Party Launches Local Government Manifesto
The Green Party has committed to "greener, cleaner, fairer" communities across Northern Ireland, as they launch their local government manifesto.
11 January 2006
Withdrawl of fugitives Bill welcomed in NI
The government's decision to abandon the controversial "on-the-runs" Offences Bill has been greatly welcomed by both political and non-political parties throughout Northern Ireland.
Withdrawl of fugitives Bill welcomed in NI
The government's decision to abandon the controversial "on-the-runs" Offences Bill has been greatly welcomed by both political and non-political parties throughout Northern Ireland.
18 November 2009
Travellers 'Stay' With NIHE
As a 'high profile' family of travellers continue to make the news, it has emerged that responsibility for their transit sites will not transfer to local government control.
Travellers 'Stay' With NIHE
As a 'high profile' family of travellers continue to make the news, it has emerged that responsibility for their transit sites will not transfer to local government control.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Rain clearing away east by early evening with some clear spells but a few showers likely to affect the North coast and other areas towards dawn, remaining breezy and mild overnight. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
