Thread by @pmdfoster

So. After three years of deadlock, BIG moment for NI parties tonight...lots of sweeteners; for #brexit and NI as a whole. Surely time to move.

As NI SoS says @JulianSmithUK "Now is decision time, there is something in this deal for everyone." 1/thread

bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northe…

@JulianSmithUK The full text is here - it contains lots of elements to protect NI economy, many of which groups like @ManufacturingNI and others pushed for after the @BorisJohnson #Brexit deal was done. /2

assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/upl…

@JulianSmithUK @ManufacturingNI @BorisJohnson KEY section here, p47

- seat at table for NI executive representatives

- leglislative guarnatee of 'unfettered access' for NI-GB trade

That's two good reasons to do the deal; coz #Brexit happening anyway. Too late to re-litigate now. /3

@JulianSmithUK @ManufacturingNI @BorisJohnson Next paras are vaguer - but NI gets consulted on future trade (like other devolved Parliaments, and we don't quite know yet how that will work)....but you have to be 'in it to win it'...if NI has no exec, then Wales/Scotland get a way to be consult...but NI doesn't. /4

@JulianSmithUK @ManufacturingNI @BorisJohnson And para 12 "funding options to support preparedness"...points to fact that understand that a sack load of cash is heading NI's way.

NOW - I'm not saying it's magic bullet; that is sorts out the 'frontstop', but we are where we are.

How does staying out make it better? /5

@JulianSmithUK @ManufacturingNI @BorisJohnson At the very least it makes it harder for UK govt to get steamrollered by EU 'joint committee' being over-zealous in its implementation of the Protocol...and puts more pressure on Commission and Ireland to make it workable. /6

@JulianSmithUK @ManufacturingNI @BorisJohnson As @JP_Biz points out the#Brexit stuff essentially delivers the NI parties amendments rejected in Westminster y'day /7

https://twitter.com/JP_Biz/status/1215399325427294208?s=20

@JulianSmithUK @ManufacturingNI @BorisJohnson @JP_Biz There's also legislative fix on @EmmandJDeSouza - so NI people who identify as Irish aren't discriminated against by #Brexit /8

irishtimes.com/news/ireland/i…

https://twitter.com/JP_Biz/status/1215399802210607104?s=20

@JulianSmithUK @ManufacturingNI @BorisJohnson @JP_Biz @EmmandJDeSouza It seems @duponline leader Arlene Foster is on board....

We'll find out soon enough, I guess. /9 ENDS