Warning that EU and UK not close to protocol deal as political talks take place

The Taoiseach and Mr Starmer are to meet with the main Stormont parties to discuss the deadlock over the protocol, which the DUP has cited as its reason for boycotting Northern Ireland’s devolved institutions since May.

DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson (Peter Morrison/PA)

The EU and the UK Government are not “anywhere close to a deal” on issues surrounding the Northern Ireland Protocol, DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson has said.

The comments came as Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, Tánaiste Micheal Martin and UK Labour leader Keir Starmer are all set to hold talks in Northern Ireland as part of efforts to resolve the dispute over the post-Brexit trading arrangements.