Now, EU leaders endorse Brexit deal, say officials
Boris Johnson, after a Brexit deal was earlier agreed upon between UK and EU now faces an uphill struggle to pass the deal through the House of Commons. Also, Northern Ireland’s DUP have indicated they will vote against it, striking a key blow against the government’s chances.
A Brexit deal was earlier agreed between UK and before a meeting of European leaders in Brussels. "We've got a great new deal that takes back control," British Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted on Thursday, the BBC reported.
European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said it was a "balanced agreement".
However, Juncker and Johnson have urged their respective parliaments to approve the deal, it is still uncertain whether it will be backed by a majority of MPs in the Parliament as Northern Ireland party DUP has rejected it.
"We have been involved in ongoing discussions with the government. As things stand, we could not support what is being suggested on customs and consent issues and there is a lack of clarity on VAT," a statement from DUP leader Arlene Foster and the party's Commons leader, Nigel Dodds, said.
"We will continue to work with the government to try and get a sensible deal that works for Northern Ireland and protects the economic and constitutional integrity of the UK.
No. 10 sources have told the BBC's political editor Laura Kuenssberg that Johnson will later ask EU leaders to reject requests for an extension to the Brexit deadline of October 31. Johnson's proposals for a new Brexit deal hinged on getting rid of the controversial backstop the solution negotiated between Theresa May and the EU to solve issues around the Irish border after the UK leaves.