The British government and the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) have denied reports that their discussions over post-Brexit trade deals have come to an end despite reports that talks had ceased. This misinformation comes on the heels of talks between Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris and the five largest Stormont parties, which include the DUP, on financial plans. The parties are poised to debate the government’s budget plans for Northern Ireland, in addition to discussing contingency plans in the event that Stormont is not restored. These talks will be the first conducted between the government and the Stormont parties in several months.
In response to the claims about the talks breaking down, the NIO has said that Sinn Féin received false information from the government. The DUP has also stated that further work remains to be done before discussions can be terminated. The party has refused to name a deputy first minister in protest at the current post-Brexit trade arrangements, which it feels weaken Northern Ireland’s standing in the wider UK internal market. The ESA has been dissolved for 22 months.
At the meeting, Mr. Heaton-Harris asserted that he aims to “explore how the government might assist the parties in tackling the immediate concerns that have arisen as a result of not having a functioning executive for twenty-one months.” He also expressed that the government needed to take the opportunity to enhance public services and to make them more sustainable. Consequently, he emphasised that they must discuss scenarios where the executive is not reestablished and the government is consequently required to set a budget for the upcoming financial year.
In February, Mr. Heaton-Harris stated in writing to Parliament that if parties weren’t able to form a government by 18 January 2024, he would have a statutory obligation to arrange a general election within 12 weeks. Nonetheless, the government could also extend this deadline by passing legislation
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