DUP MP Sammy Wilson has forecast a bleak outlook on the future of Brexit by suggesting the whole of the UK will remain tied to the EU’s VAT rates, not just Northern Ireland.
He spoke after Rishi Sunak came to an agreement with the EU over post-Brexit Northern Ireland trade arrangements.
The Prime Minister is desperately seeking the DUP’s acceptance in a bid to end their Stormont boycott, which they are currently undertaking in protest at the Northern Ireland protocol.
Speaking to Nigel Farage on GB News, DUP MP Sammy Wilson suggests the new agreement mustered up by the Prime Minister not only spells bad news for Northern Ireland, but for the rest of the UK.
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He said: “Already, we know the UK will be tied when it comes to VAT rates.
“It will have to mimic the lowest rates in the EU. We know that the UK will still have to comply with EU law in Northern Ireland.
“Of course, once that foot is in the door, future governments will use that as an excuse.”
Nigel Farage commented “it doesn’t feel like Brexit” as he and Wilson despaired at a potentially EU law-ridden future on British shores.
Questioned over whether the DUP will accept the deal, Sammy Wilson said: “We will examine it, the more we have examined the detail, the more we have become aware of the flaws.
“That puts us in a stronger position for when we make our final judgment.
“This judgment will be made on not listening to the spin, it will be made on looking at what is good for the United Kingdom, the union, the integrity of the UK market and for Northern Ireland as a whole.
“I think as I’ve already made clear, we have already identified the flaws, and if those flaws aren’t changed, how can we possibly accept?”
Nigel Farage says Rishi Sunak's deal spells bad news for Northern IrelandImage: GB NewsPlease write at least 2 paragraphs
Sunak told Tory MPs he was “confident” the DUP would back his deal as he acknowledged a “spectrum of views” within the unionist party.
The Prime Minister addressed Tory backbenchers at the 1922 Committee in the Commons on Tuesday evening after a visit to Northern Ireland in an attempt to shore up support.
He was understood to have told Conservative colleagues he had “spent a lot of time” with DUP leader Sir Jeffrey, whose party walked out of Stormont in protest at Boris Johnson’s Northern Ireland Protocol.
“And I would just say one thing to you all: we should give him and the DUP time and space,” Sunak said.
“So let’s not pressure them for an instant answer,” he added. “Let’s also remember that the last thing the public want is another Westminster drama.”