HOPES of breaking the Brexit deadlock on Northern Ireland rose last night amid a show of friendship from London and Dublin.
After months of flared tempers, both sides emerged from talks yesterday with a commitment to thrash out a solution as soon as possible.
‘Brexit hardman’ Steve Baker – now a Northern Ireland Minister – praised the ‘spirit of friendship’ with Ireland
Self-styled “Brexit Hardman” Steve Baker – now a Northern Ireland Minister – said overcoming the stalemate required a “transformation in our relationship”.
Mr Baker recently apologised to the EU and Ireland for taking such a fierce stance during the referendum.
And at a chummy press conference yesterday he praised the “spirit of friendship” with Ireland and said: “I think I’ve got a confession for you.
“I think I can say without fear of contradiction that we’ve all enjoyed one another’s company.”
Irish Foreign Minister Simon Covney added: “This isn’t some kind of phoney friendship you’re looking at here.”
The Stormont government in Northern Ireland is paralysed because the unionist DUP refuse to form an administration with Sinn Fein over their opposition to the Protocol.
British Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris stressed he would call a new election on October 28 if the impasse remains.
