Rishi Sunak aims to convince his opponents to back a deal with the European Union on Northern Ireland next week, as Brexit purists privately concede they do not have the power to block any new agreement.
While technical discussions continue to iron out final issues, the U.K. prime minister has secured 90% of his demands in the talks with the EU, people close to the U.K. side said. They warned Sunak may have to proceed without the support of some Northern Ireland unionists and Tory Brexiteers, though he hopes to win others round.
In an effort to secure backing for an agreement, Sunak on Friday met regional party leaders in Belfast, telling them significant progress had been made, but without furnishing final details. He held further talks with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Munich on Saturday, with plans drawn up for an announcement as soon as next week.
