on continue to advance his cause. on monday night, sir geoffrey set out his parties willingness to risk it —— restore the executive depending on the governments delivery of our commitments. the government will deliver on this and do so quickly. tomorrow, in the house of commons, we would introduce two core pieces of legislation in this deal which will affirm northern islands constitutional status and future proof northern ireland position within the uk internal market against protocol that would have a new low alignment for northern ireland. the legislation also strengthens the uk internal market by guaranteeing in law unfettered access for northern island goods to the whole of the uk internal market. the deal we have reached to ensure internal trade within kingdom takes under in new uk internal market system was set up and you uk east to

west consul to bring ministers together and identify opportunities across all parts of the united kingdom and establish a new public body into trade uk to promote and facilitate trade within united kingdom, recognising that while international trade is important so too is the vital trade that occurs within our internal market. the financial package offered to the parties in september will be available to the incoming executive, already raised over £3 billion in funding to support northern ireland public services and provide a solid foundation for the executive to live a better outcome in the day—to—day lives of people in northern ireland. much of what i am announcing today is a result of a significant period of negotiations between the government and democratic union and his party led by sirjeffrey donaldson. i would also like to thank the political parties in northern ireland for the patients that have shown during this is the

right deal for northern ireland and the right dealfor the right deal for northern ireland and the right deal for the union. right deal for northern ireland and the right dealfor the union. it strengthens and further protects the uk internal market and the union both now and in the long term. the government is committed to delivering this deal swiftly so we can build a brighterfuture for northern ireland within united kingdom. it is now time for elective representatives in northern island to come together within two years of impasse and start working again in interest of people who elected them. i look forward to working with the new first minister and deputy first minister, the ministers in the returned northern ireland executive and assembly members to improve the lives of the people working here. i would hang over to sirjeffrey. thank you secretary of state. on behalf _ thank you secretary of state. on behalf of — thank you secretary of state. on behalf of the democratic unionist party. _ behalf of the democratic unionist party. i— behalf of the democratic unionist party, i welcome the publication today— party, i welcome the publication today of— party, i welcome the publication today of safeguarding the union agreement. this agreement is something we have worked hard to

deliver_ something we have worked hard to deliver for— something we have worked hard to deliver for the people of northern ireland _ deliver for the people of northern ireland. this is our achievement after— ireland. this is our achievement after two — ireland. this is our achievement after two years of hard work and negotiation. this is what we can show _ negotiation. this is what we can show reel— negotiation. this is what we can show. real change, delivering progress — show. real change, delivering progress for everyone in northern ireland _ progress for everyone in northern ireland it — progress for everyone in northern ireland. it is the product of a long and protracted negotiation between the dup_ and protracted negotiation between the dup and the uk government. i want _ the dup and the uk government. i want to— the dup and the uk government. i want to place on record my appreciation to the secretary of state _ appreciation to the secretary of state for — appreciation to the secretary of state for northern ireland and the prime _ state for northern ireland and the prime minister, and their officials, for their— prime minister, and their officials, for their work and engagement during the period _ for their work and engagement during the period of negotiations. i also want _ the period of negotiations. i also want to— the period of negotiations. i also want to pay tribute to all of my party _ want to pay tribute to all of my party colleagues, particularly my deputy— party colleagues, particularly my deputy leader who have engaged in these _ deputy leader who have engaged in these negotiations. today's agreements, i believe, is a positive and decisive — agreements, i believe, is a positive and decisive step forward for northern ireland. i know that on the basis _ northern ireland. i know that on the basis of— northern ireland. i know that on the

basis of faithful delivery of all the elements of this agreement, we are taking _ the elements of this agreement, we are taking the right steps. it is almost — are taking the right steps. it is almost two years since we went through— almost two years since we went through the first minister isaac consequence of the imposition of the norlherh_ consequence of the imposition of the northern ireland protocol, which did not have _ northern ireland protocol, which did not have the support from the elected — not have the support from the elected representatives of unionism in elected representatives of unionism ih northerh— elected representatives of unionism in northern leninism —— northern irelahd — in northern leninism —— northern irelahd this— in northern leninism —— northern ireland. this agreement represents the very— ireland. this agreement represents the very significant progress on all the very significant progress on all the issues — the very significant progress on all the issues that we advanced in our negotiations. it would ensure that there _ negotiations. it would ensure that there is— negotiations. it would ensure that there is a — negotiations. it would ensure that there is a new uk internal market system _ there is a new uk internal market system which removes checks on goods moving _ system which removes checks on goods moving within the united kingdom internal— moving within the united kingdom internal market. say for those conducted by uk authorities as part of their— conducted by uk authorities as part of their ongoing intelligence —based approach _ of their ongoing intelligence —based approach to prevent smuggling and other— approach to prevent smuggling and other criminality. there's legislation to provide new, legal and practical sections for the acts

of union. — and practical sections for the acts of union, and guarantees unfettered access— of union, and guarantees unfettered access for— of union, and guarantees unfettered access for northern island businesses to the rest of the united kingdom _ businesses to the rest of the united kingdom. the agreements provides us with an _ kingdom. the agreements provides us with an opportunity to use the new structures— with an opportunity to use the new structures to shape the future, and to continue — structures to shape the future, and to continue to work and campaign on all areas _ to continue to work and campaign on all areas where we will want to focus _ all areas where we will want to focus on — all areas where we will want to focus on going forward. i know it from _ focus on going forward. i know it from over— focus on going forward. i know it from over 40 years of public service that we _ from over 40 years of public service that we -- — from over 40 years of public service that we —— people want their representatives to be straight with them _ representatives to be straight with them. they value honesty, therefore i them. they value honesty, therefore iwoh't _ them. they value honesty, therefore iwoh't claim — them. they value honesty, therefore i won't claim that every bottle has been _ i won't claim that every bottle has been one — i won't claim that every bottle has been one or even that every bottle is finished — been one or even that every bottle is finished. but i do believe that what _ is finished. but i do believe that what we — is finished. but i do believe that what we have achieved gives us an opportunity to the progress that we have made, the gains and changes we have made, the gains and changes we have secured, and to continue making the case _ have secured, and to continue making the case for— have secured, and to continue making the case for further change. i and my colleagues will work confidently, a confident unionism, a

forward—looking unionism, —— a unit that wants _ forward—looking unionism, —— a unit that wants to — forward—looking unionism, —— a unit that wants to make progress where everyone _ that wants to make progress where everyone in — that wants to make progress where everyone in northern island and we will work— everyone in northern island and we will work alongside others to build a thriving — will work alongside others to build a thriving northern ireland, a prosperous northern ireland and a peaceful— prosperous northern ireland and a peaceful and stable northern ireland, _ peaceful and stable northern ireland, firmly within the united kingdom — ireland, firmly within the united kingdom. with the union safeguarded for future _ kingdom. with the union safeguarded for future generations. thank kingdom. with the union safeguarded for future generations.— for future generations. thank you very much- _ for future generations. thank you very much- it _ for future generations. thank you very much. it seems _ for future generations. thank you very much. it seems that - for future generations. thank you | very much. it seems that someone for future generations. thank you - very much. it seems that someone has put me in charge of calling who was asked questions, which is a foolish move, tracy. flan asked questions, which is a foolish move. tracy-— move, tracy. can you clear up for us what your— move, tracy. can you clear up for us what your views _ move, tracy. can you clear up for us what your views are _ move, tracy. can you clear up for us what your views are in _ move, tracy. can you clear up for us what your views are in terms - move, tracy. can you clear up for us what your views are in terms of - what your views are in terms of the eu position — what your views are in terms of the eu position into— what your views are in terms of the eu position into this _ what your views are in terms of the eu position into this deal? - what your views are in terms of the eu position into this deal? is- what your views are in terms of the eu position into this deal? is it - what your views are in terms of the

eu position into this deal? is it a l eu position into this deal? is it a case _ eu position into this deal? is it a case that— eu position into this deal? is it a case that they _ eu position into this deal? is it a case that they have _ eu position into this deal? is it a case that they have put - eu position into this deal? is it a case that they have put changesl eu position into this deal? is it a - case that they have put changes into the framework — case that they have put changes into the framework or— case that they have put changes into the framework or is _ case that they have put changes into the framework or is it _ case that they have put changes into the framework or is it something - case that they have put changes intoi the framework or is it something the uk did _ the framework or is it something the uk did by— the framework or is it something the uk did by itself? _ the framework or is it something the uk did by itself? and _ the framework or is it something the uk did by itself? and now that - uk did by itself? and now that there has been _ uk did by itself? and now that there has been agreement, _ uk did by itself? and now that there has been agreement, on - uk did by itself? and now that there has been agreement, on the - has been agreement, on the government— has been agreement, on the government looking _ has been agreement, on the government looking weak - has been agreement, on the government looking weak willed has been agreement, on the - government looking weak willed and spineless. _ government looking weak willed and spineless. — government looking weak willed and spineless. ~_ government looking weak willed and spineless. ~ l— government looking weak willed and spineless. -_ government looking weak willed and spineless. -_ spineless, . ithought simon was bein: spineless, . ithought simon was being quite — spineless, . ithought simon was being quite timid _ spineless, . i thought simon was being quite timid for _ spineless, . i thought simon was being quite timid for him _ spineless, . i thought simon was being quite timid for him today, - being quite timid for him today, interesting. tracy asked the first question, just a start, i am proud of what the government did in the windsor framework and i do think it

has started the process but that obviously wasn't enough to encourage the democratic unionist party back into government. this deal is about safeguarding northern ireland was michael pacing the union. we set out what it involves which involves new domestic legislation with unfettered access as well as new structures and steps to ensure benefits of the windsor ferment our vote for businesses and people, but there's a whole chapter in here, chapter four, which will take you through the further changes and impacts on the windsor framework in no uncertain terms. the government is committed to all of that chapter four. i think when you talk about what has changed, i think we saw only yesterday, that there were some changes announced on the rest of royal products come in here, which were formally subject to the eu

customs code and tariffs, and are now subject to our custom code and uk terrors, meaning that northern ireland can know absolutely and 100% benefit from the free trade deals this government conducts. in this government conducts. in relation to the eu, we have already seen _ relation to the eu, we have already seen the _ relation to the eu, we have already seen the beginning of the process, whereby— seen the beginning of the process, whereby change is being delivered, and as— whereby change is being delivered, and as a _ whereby change is being delivered, and as a secretary of state has said, _ and as a secretary of state has said, yesterday, as part of the timeline — said, yesterday, as part of the timeline leading to the restoration of the _ timeline leading to the restoration of the political institutions, we had a — of the political institutions, we had a statement by the uk government, with the eu, setting out details _ government, with the eu, setting out details of— government, with the eu, setting out details of the code changes that would _ details of the code changes that would occur and that ensures that northern— would occur and that ensures that northern ireland benefits from free—trade agreements reached by the uk government on behalf of all of the united kingdom. it is significant. the measures agreed yesterday— significant. the measures agreed yesterday with the eu mean that somewhere in the region of 4 million

product _ somewhere in the region of 4 million product movements between great britain _ product movements between great britain and northern ireland would no longer— britain and northern ireland would no longer be subject to tariffs and customs _ no longer be subject to tariffs and customs declarations and so on. they will flow— customs declarations and so on. they will flow through the new uk internal— will flow through the new uk internal market system, and therefore these are the kinds of gains _ therefore these are the kinds of gains we — therefore these are the kinds of gains we can make and there's more to come _ gains we can make and there's more to come so. — gains we can make and there's more to come. so, we are clear that this presents _ to come. so, we are clear that this presents change to the windsor framework text, and represents an enhancement of what was agreed there. _ enhancement of what was agreed there, and we will work with the government in fairness, the prime minister, having negotiated the windsor— minister, having negotiated the windsor framework, was prepared to sit down _ windsor framework, was prepared to sit down with us and work through our concerns and bring forward solutions _ our concerns and bring forward solutions. that is what we have done, _ solutions. that is what we have done, and _ solutions. that is what we have done, and those solutions are agreed between _ done, and those solutions are agreed between us and the uk government, but we _ between us and the uk government, but we know that he uk government have been— but we know that he uk government have been in ongoing, as they do, discussion— have been in ongoing, as they do, discussion with the eu are on many of these _ discussion with the eu are on many of these issues, and yesterday demonstrated the value of that and what we _ demonstrated the value of that and what we have delivered by way of real change that would be to the

benefit — real change that would be to the benefit of northern ireland. in respect — benefit of northern ireland. in respect of my own party, my party along — respect of my own party, my party along with _ respect of my own party, my party along with our elected representatives and party officer team, _ representatives and party officer team, have examined these proposals in detail _ team, have examined these proposals in detail. they have considered them and on _ in detail. they have considered them and on monday evening i was given a decisive _ and on monday evening i was given a decisive mandate bye—bye party executive — decisive mandate bye—bye party executive to proceed on the basis that we _ executive to proceed on the basis that we have outlined, and which is now unfolding. i recognise their colleagues who have ongoing concerns, and as i said in my remarks, _ concerns, and as i said in my remarks, there is more work to do. and i_ remarks, there is more work to do. and i will— remarks, there is more work to do. and i will work with those colleagues to deliver the further change — colleagues to deliver the further change that is needed in the future, but my— change that is needed in the future, but my party has assessed these proposals — but my party has assessed these proposals against our tests, and we are certified we have made substantial progress and sufficient progress _ substantial progress and sufficient progress to restore the political institutions and we will continue to

work— institutions and we will continue to work from — institutions and we will continue to work from within stormont and at westminster and are mps will be an important _ westminster and are mps will be an important part of that process in seeking — important part of that process in seeking to deliver further change. i am proud _ seeking to deliver further change. i am proud of what the dup has achieved _ am proud of what the dup has achieved. we are the party that has delivered _ achieved. we are the party that has delivered change and as i have said in the _ delivered change and as i have said in the last— delivered change and as i have said in the last few days to those of their— in the last few days to those of their who — in the last few days to those of their who are in the last few days to those of theirwho are our in the last few days to those of their who are our crickets ask and naysayers — their who are our crickets ask and naysayers -- _ their who are our crickets ask and naysayers —— critics i challenge them _ naysayers —— critics i challenge them to — naysayers —— critics i challenge them to show us what they have achieved — them to show us what they have achieved. what have you delivered by way of _ achieved. what have you delivered by way of change to the protocol to the windsor _ way of change to the protocol to the windsor framework, to removing the irish windsor framework, to removing the irish sea _ windsor framework, to removing the irish sea border on goods moving with the — irish sea border on goods moving with the united kingdom and its internal— with the united kingdom and its internal market? the dup is the park it —— internal market? the dup is the park it -- party— internal market? the dup is the park it -- party of— internal market? the dup is the park it —— party of delivery and we have secured _ it —— party of delivery and we have secured change, and that change has been delivered by a party that is work— been delivered by a party that is work together, and i am confident my party will— work together, and i am confident my party will continue to work together to deliver— party will continue to work together to deliver more change in the

future — to deliver more change in the future. ,, . ., , ., ,, ., future. secretary of state, did the eu will aet future. secretary of state, did the eu will get site _ future. secretary of state, did the eu will get site of _ future. secretary of state, did the eu will get site of the _ eu will get site of the command paper— eu will get site of the command paper before _ eu will get site of the command paper before it _ eu will get site of the command paper before it was _ eu will get site of the command paper before it was published i paper before it was published westmark— paper before it was published westmark we _ paper before it was published westmark we haven't - paper before it was published westmark we haven't heard l paper before it was published - westmark we haven't heard from the eu today~ _ westmark we haven't heard from the eu today and — westmark we haven't heard from the eu today. and all _ westmark we haven't heard from the eu today. and all the _ westmark we haven't heard from the eu today. and all the changes - westmark we haven't heard from the eu today. and all the changes sir- eu today. and all the changes sir geoffrey— eu today. and all the changes sir geoffrey talks _ eu today. and all the changes sir geoffrey talks about _ eu today. and all the changes sir geoffrey talks about required - geoffrey talks about required decisions _ geoffrey talks about required decisions by— geoffrey talks about required decisions by the _ geoffrey talks about required decisions by the joint - geoffrey talks about required - decisions by the joint committee, in other— decisions by the joint committee, in other words— decisions by the joint committee, in other words for— decisions by the joint committee, in other words for the _ decisions by the joint committee, in other words for the buy _ decisions by the joint committee, in other words for the buy in _ decisions by the joint committee, in other words for the buy in from - decisions by the joint committee, in other words for the buy in from the i other words for the buy in from the eu for— other words for the buy in from the eu for those — other words for the buy in from the eu for those measures _ other words for the buy in from the eu for those measures to - other words for the buy in from the eu for those measures to take - eu for those measures to take effect. — eu for those measures to take effect. and _ eu for those measures to take effect, and sir— eu for those measures to take effect, and sirjeffrey- eu for those measures to take i effect, and sirjeffrey donaldson, how are _ effect, and sirjeffrey donaldson, how are you — effect, and sirjeffrey donaldson, how are you what _ effect, and sirjeffrey donaldson, how are you what to _ effect, and sirjeffrey donaldson, how are you what to sell - effect, and sirjeffrey donaldson, how are you what to sell your- effect, and sirjeffrey donaldson, i how are you what to sell your deal to the _ how are you what to sell your deal to the wider— how are you what to sell your deal to the wider unity— how are you what to sell your deal to the wider unity of— how are you what to sell your deal to the wider unity of this - to the wider unity of this electorate _ to the wider unity of this electorate when - to the wider unity of this electorate when you - to the wider unity of this electorate when you can| to the wider unity of this . electorate when you can set to the wider unity of this - electorate when you can set it to some _ electorate when you can set it to some of— electorate when you can set it to some of your _ electorate when you can set it to some of your mps _ electorate when you can set it to some of your mps and _ electorate when you can set it to some of your mps and mnes - electorate when you can set it to some of your mps and mnes or. electorate when you can set it to - some of your mps and mnes or some of your lords _ some of your mps and mnes or some of your lords westmark— some of your mps and mnes or some of your lords westmark is _ some of your mps and mnes or some of your lords westmark is not _ some of your mps and mnes or some of your lords westmark is not going - some of your mps and mnes or some of your lords westmark is not going to - your lords westmark is not going to be an— your lords westmark is not going to be an impossible _ your lords westmark is not going to be an impossible task? _ your lords westmark is not going to be an impossible task? this- your lords westmark is not going to be an impossible task?— be an impossible task? this paper and packages _ be an impossible task? this paper and packages about _ be an impossible task? this paper and packages about the _ be an impossible task? this paper and packages about the union, - be an impossible task? this paper| and packages about the union, the united kingdom and the restoration of the northern ireland executive, it's about the people of northern ireland. of course, i sirjeffrey alluded to, the government and i stayed in contact with our eu counterparts and i spoke to them or only this morning and will continue

to work with the european union on a range of issues and as i mentioned in my first answer, those compositions have already delivered change that is beneficial to the whole of northern ireland. other changes require domestic legislation, and as sirjeffrey said, it's a process and we will work together in the process to make this package work. to make sure that stormont can return, to make sure that stormont is sustainable to return in the long term, and that the people of northern ireland feel happy and comfortable and get more prosperous in the united kingdom. in prosperous in the united kingdom. in respect of these proposals, my party has made _ respect of these proposals, my party has made his decision, and i can tell you — has made his decision, and i can tell you that was a decisive decision— tell you that was a decisive decision i murmur party. i have been mandated _ decision i murmur party. i have been mandated by my party to take forward these proposals, conditions upon the government delivering on its side,

and tomorrow we will see more of that delivery in the form of legislation coming in the house of commons — legislation coming in the house of commons. i recallthat legislation coming in the house of commons. i recall that when the northern— commons. i recall that when the northern ireland protocol bill was brought— northern ireland protocol bill was brought forward, many of the elements in the protocol bills is now incorporated in these proposals, in this— now incorporated in these proposals, in this agreement. all of our parliamentary party, all of our parliamentary party, all of our parliamentary party, all of our parliamentary party supported those proposals _ parliamentary party supported those proposals that are now incorporated into this _ proposals that are now incorporated into this agreement. and i agree with my— into this agreement. and i agree with my colleagues, there's more to do. with my colleagues, there's more to do further— with my colleagues, there's more to do. further changes are needed, and i do. further changes are needed, and i recognise. — do. further changes are needed, and i recognise, of course, that not 'ust i recognise, of course, that not just my— i recognise, of course, that not just my colleagues but people in northern— just my colleagues but people in northern ireland have concerns about how things _ northern ireland have concerns about how things will progress. there is, i how things will progress. there is, i have _ how things will progress. there is, i have to _ how things will progress. there is, i have to say, there is a trust issue — i have to say, there is a trust issue here _ i have to say, there is a trust issue here. the trust issue is not in me. _ issue here. the trust issue is not in me. that — issue here. the trust issue is not in me, that trust issue is in whether— in me, that trust issue is in whether the government will deliver what they—

whether the government will deliver what they have committed to do. i believe _ what they have committed to do. i believe that we have built into these — believe that we have built into these proposals sufficient safeguards and leverage that enables us to deliver what is being done. i am prepared to move forward on that basis. _ am prepared to move forward on that basis. and _ am prepared to move forward on that basis, and my party has endorsed, fully endorsed that decision, and i will continue to work with all of my colleagues. in terms of selling the deal. _ colleagues. in terms of selling the deal. i_ colleagues. in terms of selling the deal, i don't see that is what i need — deal, idon't see that is what i need to— deal, i don't see that is what i need to do. i have simply asked the people _ need to do. i have simply asked the people of— need to do. i have simply asked the people of northern ireland tojudge a deal— people of northern ireland tojudge a deal on _ people of northern ireland tojudge a deal on its merits. and i did ask people _ a deal on its merits. and i did ask people to — a deal on its merits. and i did ask people to wait until the proposals were published, and to give them fair consideration. i have to tell you. _ fair consideration. i have to tell you, already this afternoon, within hours _ you, already this afternoon, within hours of— you, already this afternoon, within hours of these proposals being published, we are being inundated with messages of support from unionist— with messages of support from unionist right across northern ireland. — unionist right across northern ireland, horsing —— saying well done for what _ ireland, horsing —— saying well done for what you — ireland, horsing —— saying well done for what you have achieved, it stood

your ground — for what you have achieved, it stood your ground and fought hard and what your ground and fought hard and what you have _ your ground and fought hard and what you have achieved undelivered represents real change. i think these — represents real change. i think these proposals are more than capable — these proposals are more than capable of selling themselves, because — capable of selling themselves, because people will see the benefit of this— because people will see the benefit of this were northern ireland, not least _ of this were northern ireland, not least because these proposals restore — least because these proposals restore our place within united kingdom — restore our place within united kingdom and its internal market, but also give _ kingdom and its internal market, but also give -- — kingdom and its internal market, but also give —— get stormont working again _ also give —— get stormont working again i_ also give —— get stormont working again. i believe passionately that you can _ again. i believe passionately that you can have all the pieces of legislation and all the proposals you want, but in the end of the union— you want, but in the end of the union and — you want, but in the end of the union and the strength of the will of the _ union and the strength of the will of the people of northern ireland. mylob_ of the people of northern ireland. mylob as — of the people of northern ireland. myjob as a unionist is to promote the benefits of the union. this task was about— the benefits of the union. this task was about safeguarding the union. our was about safeguarding the union. 0urlob_ was about safeguarding the union. ourjob now is to promote the benefits— ourjob now is to promote the benefits of the union, persuade people — benefits of the union, persuade people that the union is best for them _ people that the union is best for them and — people that the union is best for them. and i believe in what we have

done _ them. and i believe in what we have done and _ them. and i believe in what we have done and achieved in that will help us in _ done and achieved in that will help us in terms — done and achieved in that will help us in terms of making northern anna work— us in terms of making northern anna work might— us in terms of making northern anna work might delivering for people and their real— work might delivering for people and their real needs, but also demonstrating that being part of the united _ demonstrating that being part of the united kingdom brings real benefits that help _ united kingdom brings real benefits that help and assist and support every— that help and assist and support every single assistant —— a citizen in northern— every single assistant —— a citizen in northern ireland. how every single assistant -- a citizen in northern ireland.— in northern ireland. how difficult has it been _ in northern ireland. how difficult has it been for— in northern ireland. how difficult has it been for the _ in northern ireland. how difficult has it been for the government? | in northern ireland. how difficult. has it been for the government? it's been a has it been for the government? been a long process and at times, forgive me jeffrey, been a long process and at times, forgive mejeffrey, it has been frustrating, but sirjeffrey is an tenacious negotiator and is a man of principle and knows what he stands for. and to be quite frank, i can understand the points he was making, i am a keen brexiteering, i want all of my country to see that an offence

of my country to see that an offence of leaving the european union, something we did four years ago today, but also i probably needed some extra exclamation about unionism in northern ireland, and have had a decent education. i am probably on at gcs eat level at this point but i'm sure it will continue until i get my masters. but it has been worthwhile. because what we have delivered, i believe, is not just the basis for stormont to go about but a package of measures that demonstrate this government commitment to the union that demonstrates this governments commitment to northern allen and his people and i know that only good things can flow from here. next, david from sky. the things can flow from here. next, david from sky.— david from sky. the eu can you be c stal david from sky. the eu can you be

crystal clear _ david from sky. the eu can you be crystal clear with _ david from sky. the eu can you be crystal clear with us, _ david from sky. the eu can you be crystal clear with us, if _ david from sky. the eu can you be crystal clear with us, if this - david from sky. the eu can you be crystal clear with us, if this going l crystal clear with us, if this going to improve — crystal clear with us, if this going to improve on _ crystal clear with us, if this going to improve on the _ crystal clear with us, if this going to improve on the intro— crystal clear with us, if this going to improve on the intro from - crystal clear with us, if this going to improve on the intro from —— i to improve on the intro from —— in the interest— to improve on the intro from —— in the interest of— to improve on the intro from —— in the interest of power—sharing, - to improve on the intro from —— in the interest of power—sharing, wej the interest of power—sharing, we heard _ the interest of power—sharing, we heard lots — the interest of power—sharing, we heard lots of— the interest of power—sharing, we heard lots of reports _ the interest of power—sharing, we heard lots of reports about - the interest of power—sharing, we heard lots of reports about your. heard lots of reports about your party. _ heard lots of reports about your party. in — heard lots of reports about your party, in reality... _ heard lots of reports about your party, in reality... how- heard lots of reports about your party, in reality... how decisivej party, in reality... how decisive was _ party, in reality... how decisive was the — party, in reality... how decisive was the executive _ party, in reality... how decisive was the executive among - party, in reality... how decisive was the executive among this l was the executive among this decision? _ was the executive among this decision? l— was the executive among this decision? ., , ., decision? iwill go first. i do thinkthat— decision? iwill go first. i do think that the _ decision? iwill go first. i do think that the passing - decision? iwill go first. i do think that the passing of. decision? iwill go first. i do| think that the passing of the windsor framework reset relationship between the united kingdom government and the european union and since then it is not a nod and a wink, it's not done behind closed doors, is not any sort of weird dealing, we arejust doors, is not any sort of weird dealing, we are just dealing as we should do. we want to be, is a good friend of mine used to say, better

neighbours than tenants, and we are acting that way and we enjoyed our relationship with the european union and look forward to it developing in the future. everything we have done in the space has been done in good faith on both sides. in in the space has been done in good faith on both sides.— faith on both sides. in relation to the position _ faith on both sides. in relation to the position of— faith on both sides. in relation to the position of my _ faith on both sides. in relation to the position of my party, - faith on both sides. in relation to the position of my party, i - faith on both sides. in relation to the position of my party, i don'tl the position of my party, i don't accept _ the position of my party, i don't accept the — the position of my party, i don't accept the characterisation that my party _ accept the characterisation that my party is _ accept the characterisation that my party is split. i think that as with any party. — party is split. i think that as with any party, people have concerns, and the good _ any party, people have concerns, and the good thing about my party is they can — the good thing about my party is they can raise those concerns, and have _ they can raise those concerns, and have done. — they can raise those concerns, and have done, and we have talked through— have done, and we have talked through those issues. we did that as our party— through those issues. we did that as our party executive, a body which is broadly— our party executive, a body which is broadly representative of the party, members _ broadly representative of the party, members of parliaments, mla is, constituents from every part of northern — constituents from every part of northern islands, party members who hold office _ northern islands, party members who hold office in our constituencies associations. there is no greater

representative body of unionism and of the _ representative body of unionism and of the dup_ representative body of unionism and of the dup than the party executive, and we _ of the dup than the party executive, and we had — of the dup than the party executive, and we had a full discussion in our monday— and we had a full discussion in our monday meeting, and the issues were laid out _ monday meeting, and the issues were laid out and _ monday meeting, and the issues were laid out and at the end we came to a decision. _ laid out and at the end we came to a decision. and — laid out and at the end we came to a decision, and a decision that has mandated — decision, and a decision that has mandated me as leader, want to proceed — mandated me as leader, want to proceed with the backing of my party — proceed with the backing of my party. we — proceed with the backing of my party. we have not reviewed the figures _ party. we have not reviewed the figures on — party. we have not reviewed the figures on this, david, as a party leader— figures on this, david, as a party leader i've — figures on this, david, as a party leader i've not ask my party chairman— leader i've not ask my party chairman to give me the figures, but i chairman to give me the figures, but i have _ chairman to give me the figures, but i have some — chairman to give me the figures, but i have some sense of what that boat looked _ i have some sense of what that boat looked like — i have some sense of what that boat looked like and i can say to you that there _ looked like and i can say to you that there was a very wide margin of support— that there was a very wide margin of support for— that there was a very wide margin of support for the position we have adopted — support for the position we have adopted. the vote was absolutely decisive — adopted. the vote was absolutely decisive i— adopted. the vote was absolutely decisive. i go forward on the strength— decisive. i go forward on the strength of that mandate, confident that i strength of that mandate, confident that i have — strength of that mandate, confident that i have the backing of my party, confident _ that i have the backing of my party, confident that we will work together, not only to ensure that

the change we have secured is delivered, but also to work for further— delivered, but also to work for further change going forward. indeed. — further change going forward. indeed, we will have an early opportunity to do that, because bills into — opportunity to do that, because bills into this process is an assembly vote later this year, which can trigger— assembly vote later this year, which can trigger an independent review of these _ can trigger an independent review of these arrangements, so within months will have _ these arrangements, so within months will have an _ these arrangements, so within months will have an opportunity, having tested _ will have an opportunity, having tested these new arrangements, particularly from the point of view of the _ particularly from the point of view of the political institutions and their— of the political institutions and their role _ of the political institutions and their role in all of this, if there are issues— their role in all of this, if there are issues that need to be addressed, then we have an opportunity to do that and i will work— opportunity to do that and i will work with— opportunity to do that and i will work with my colleagues to deliver whatever _ work with my colleagues to deliver whatever further change is required. thank— whatever further change is required. thank you. _ whatever further change is required. thank you, jonathan. as whatever further change is required. thank you, jonathan._

whatever further change is required. thank you, jonathan. as we approach the six o'clock — thank you, jonathan. as we approach the six o'clock news, _ thank you, jonathan. as we approach the six o'clock news, we _ thank you, jonathan. as we approach the six o'clock news, we are - thank you, jonathan. as we approach the six o'clock news, we are going . the six o'clock news, we are going to come away from this momentarily, and interest in what we have heard in the last 25 minutes, the northern ireland secretary saying the government will deliver and deliver quickly, and then went on to say they would introduce legislation in they would introduce legislation in the house of commons tomorrow as part of that, the £3 billion will be released after everything go through. he was seen, the northern ireland secretary, it's about safeguarding northern ireland's place within the uk and we heard jeffrey donaldson talking about the change, welcoming the agreement, seen they agreed for a new internal market system within uk, 4 million products, he said, would no longer be subjected to checks. interesting, they were up repeatedly —— repeatedly asked questions about if the eu will got site before the publication and if there's buy—in from the u —— eu, slightly or big answers from both of them not the

northern at a —— northern ireland sec. saying they keep in close contact with the eu, that is of the answer the question, and jeffrey donaldson saying and denying his party was split on this issue. that is it from that news conference from verified today, thanks for watching and same time tomorrow. goodbye. hello there. we've seen some very strong winds across northern areas of scotland today. and with those severe gales came some pretty big waves pummeling the coastline of shetland. but it wasn't shetland where the strongest winds in this storm were. no, they were in the core of storm ingunn and that runs straight across the faroe islands to our northwest. now, landsverk is the public authority that runs the infrastructure in the faroe islands. they reported a gust on one of their weather stations of 155 mph. in relatively well sheltered torshavn, we had a top gust of 120 mph there in the capital

of the faroe islands. thankfully, those really powerful winds stayed well away from our shores. we had a top gust of 75 in lerwick and not far behind that in the highlands and the hebrides. now, overnight tonight we've got a band of rain, a cold front pushing southwards across england and wales, bringing some rain that will clear later in the night. and with clearing skies and lighter winds, one or two mist and fog patches possible, there's also likely to be one or two patches of frost around as well as we head into the first part of thursday. now storm ingunn will be bringing some very strong winds to norway on thursday, gusts over 100 mph, blizzard conditions with lots of snow. our weather is going to be a good deal quieter than that. you'll be pleased to hear. we've got a ridge of high pressure and that means for many of us, it's a bright start to the day. should stay sunny for the most part across england and wales. further north, it will tend to turn cloudier through the afternoon, with outbreaks of rain arriving across the north and west of scotland through thursday afternoon. with the wind strengthening, it won't be quite as windy as it's been though today. but friday, a lot of cloud around. best of any breaks in a cloud across eastern areas will continue to be quite windy generally. some rain across the north and west of scotland.

we may see a fern effect set up across the north east of scotland. if that happens, we could see temperatures go as high as 16, but otherwise 14 in aberdeen. well, that's still a good seven or eight degrees above average at this time of the year. it stays mild as well for most of the country on saturday, but particularly so for england and wales. still quite a lot of cloud around. gusty winds on into the east of the pennines, a mixture of sunshine and showers for scotland and northern ireland. top temperature around 14 degrees for east anglia in the south east, but even 10—11 for scotland is still well above average as we head into february. into sunday and next week, generally it's going to stay quite wet and windy across northern areas. the quietest weather will be in the south.

at six — scotland's former first minister at the covid inquiry. an emotional nicola sturgeon breaks down as she's questioned over her response to the pandemic. i was the first minister when the pandemic struck. there's a large part of me wishes i hadn't been, but i was, and i wanted to be the best first minister i could be. nicola sturgeon faced more than five hours of tauven questioning, admitting deleting whatsapp messages but denying a culture of secrecy.

also on the programme — measles on the rise across europe. we report from the west midlands which has the most cases in england. bypass your gp and get some drugs from the chemist — we'll have the details of england's new scheme to take pressure off doctors. from tomorrow, unregistered xl bully dogs will be banned in the uk after a spate of attacks. and as dry january turns into wet february, we report on the growing numbers who've gone temporarily alcohol free. i've done the whole 31 days, so i am going to celebrate tomorrow with a drink. what have you got in mind? prosecco, always prosecco! and coming up on bbc news, telling the media that marcus rash for a disciplinary matter is case closed after missing training phone reports that he been out in belfast.