Boris Johnson faces a frantic Friday as he tries to persuade MPs to back his “great new Brexit deal” in an extraordinary sitting of Parliament tomorrow.
The prime minister, against all expectations, reached agreement with the European Union on a modified deal in Brussels yesterday — but celebrations were curtailed as it emerged his key allies in the DUP would not be able to offer support.
The party said the deal would damage Northern Ireland’s economy and “undermine the integrity of the Union”.
It means Mr Johnson, without the backing of Labour MPs in Leave voting seats, is unlikely to get the 320 votes required to get the deal passed.
The DUP’s decision came despite days of intensive negotiations between the party and Number 10.
The party said they were unhappy about the proposals on customs checks between Britain and Northern Ireland, VAT rates and how Stormont gives its consent to the new arrangements.
In a statement they said: “We have been consistent that we will only ever consider supporting arrangements that are in Northern Ireland’s long-term economic and constitutional interests and protect the integrity of the Union.
“These proposals are not, in our view, beneficial to the economic well-being of Northern Ireland and they undermine the integrity of the Union.”
Mr Johnson, in what appeared to be a direct plea to DUP MPs yesterday, said his new agreement allowed the UK to leave the bloc “whole and entire”.
He said the “fair” and “reasonable” agreement would protect the Irish peace process and allow the whole of the UK to take part in new free trade deals.
“I hope very much now, speaking of elected representatives, that my fellow MPs in Westminster do now come together to get Brexit done, to get this excellent deal over the line and deliver Brexit without any more delay,” he added.
European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker sought to help Mr Johnson sell his new Brexit deal to MPs, saying he was “ruling out” an extension if the agreement was voted down.
“If we have a deal, we have a deal, and there is no need for prolongation,” Mr Juncker said.
Despite the warning, the SNP, Labour and the Lib Dems have ruled out voting for the deal in “any form”.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “The Brexit envisaged by Boris Johnson is one which sees a much looser relationship with the EU when it comes to issues like food standards, environmental protections and workers’ rights.
“That is not the future that I or my Government envisage for Scotland. It is clearer than ever that the best future for Scotland is one as an equal, independent European nation.
“That is a choice I am determined to ensure is given to the people of Scotland.”
However, Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said the deal was “great news” for Scotland.
He said: “This deal allows us to get Brexit sorted, and leave the EU in two weeks’ time as one United Kingdom.
“If MPs do not vote for a deal then they are voting for no-deal, and will have to explain that to their constituents.”
All now rests on tomorrow’s sitting in Parliament when MPs could vote to ratify the agreement and deliver Mr Johnson’s pledge to take the UK out of the EU on October 31.
If parliamentarians reject the offer, Mr Johnson will be forced under the Benn Act to request another delay to the Brexit date.