Rishi Sunak has hailed his new deal on the Northern Ireland Protocol a ‘turning point’ for the people of Northern Ireland. Titled the ‘Windsor framework’, the Prime Minister argued that the revised agreement would ensure stability in Northern Ireland and the strengthening of the Union.

As the text of the deal is released, parties in Northern Ireland – along with Tory MPs – will now take time to consider the agreement in detail. However, before they do so, Sunak used the press conference – where he appeared along side European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen – to highlight what he viewed as the key changes.

Sunak will want to avoid any situation that exposes divisions within the Tory party

First, Sunak claimed his deal will remove ‘any sense of a border in the Irish Sea’ by enabling the free flow of goods within the whole of the UK. On the role of the ECJ, Sunak said that a new ‘brake’ would allow Stormont to stop EU laws applying and give the UK government a veto. Finally, Sunak spoke of how he hoped his deal would protect Northern Ireland’s place in the Union by ensuring ‘quintessentially British’ products, such as trees and seeds, will once again be available.

Sunak was at pains to try to paint the agreement as going beyond Westminster party politics. He repeatedly said that the guiding principle was not what one political party demands but what is best for the people of Northern Ireland. However, it’s clear he views the deal as having important political consequences. Sunak said ‘this is the beginning of a new chapter in our relationship’ with the EU. It reflects how Downing Street hope the changes to the Protocol mark a wider reset of the UK/EU relationship that can boost the economy and lead to co-operation on small boats and security.

Sunak did confirm in the Q&A that MPs will be given a vote, at the ‘appropriate time’. The suggestion so far is that this won’t be until next week at the earliest, with Sunak stressing the need for different parties to take time to go over the agreement. It’s also the case that the most ‘appropriate’ time also means the most opportune time for the government. While Sunak is well-placed to win any vote given Labour’s backing, he will want to avoid any situation that exposes divisions within the Tory party. The coming days will show whether he has done enough to win over his party – and more importantly win the approval of the DUP and secure the real prize of restoring power at Stormont.