BRITAIN has set a six-month deadline to solve the Northern Ireland protocol — ahead of a possible state visit from Joe Biden next year.
Liz Truss sat down for an hour-long chat with the US President in New York last night, where they agreed to work together for a deal.
Ahead of a possible state visit from Joe Biden next year, Britain has set a six month deadline to solve the Northern Ireland protocol
Liz Truss sat down for an hour-long chat with the US President, where they agreed to work together for a deal
State department officials are planning for Mr Biden to visit next year for the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday deal.
And Sir Tony Blair, who helped seal the landmark agreement, is working behind the scenes to help solve the impasse.
Mr Biden hailed the UK as “our closest ally in the world” as the pair struck a friendly tone.
But the DUP are refusing to play their part over concerns about the hated protocol.
It means lorries going from GB to Northern Ireland face chaotic customs checks, and tax changes do not apply to the province.
Ministers this week told the EU they would continue delaying implementing full checks despite legal action from Brussels.
A Government source said: “We want to protect and restore the Good Friday Agreement.
“Both sides are looking at the 25th anniversary as a key decision point.
“If you don’t have an executive assembly by then that’s pretty bad all round.”
Ms Truss said: “I’ve always been clear that my preference is for a negotiated settlement. What I will not allow is this to drift.”
