Nancy Pelosi has agreed a “no trade deal with Britain” as she makes a pact with Sinn Fein.
Speaker of the US House of Representatives, Ms Pelosi previously waded in on the row over the Northern Ireland Protocol, warning that the UK’s plans to scrap part of the deal could impact its prospects of a trade deal with the US.
Ms Pelosi has now met with Sinn Fein Vice President Michelle O’Neill to discuss the Protocol.
Speaking after the meeting, Ms O’Neill said Ms Pelosi had reaffirmed her stance that there would be no trade deal with Britain if they "undermine the Good Friday Agreement".
Michelle O'Neill and Nancy Pelosi
Twitter/moneillsf
The Northern Ireland Protocol Bill cleared the House of Commons on Wednesday
House of Commons
In a post on twitter accompanied by a picture of the pair, Ms O’Neill said: “As I get ready to head back to Ireland, it was a great pleasure to meet up with the most influential woman on Capitol Hill, Speaker of the house, Nancy Pelosi.
“Nancy restated her position, There will be no trade deal with Britain if they undermine the Good Friday Agreement.”
The meeting comes after the Government’s attempts to effectively tear up parts of the Northern Ireland Protocol moved closer to becoming law.
The Northern Ireland Protocol Bill cleared the House of Commons on Wednesday after MPs voted 267 to 195, majority 72, to give it a third reading.
No amendments were made by MPs and Cabinet Office minister Michael Ellis said he hopes supporters of the proposals in Northern Ireland “may not have to wait too long” for them to become law.
But peers are expected to contest parts of the Bill when they consider it after the summer recess, setting up a lengthy showdown between the two Houses.
