Rishi Sunak's new Brexit deal formally signed off with EU - despite Tory rebellion

Rishi Sunak's new Brexit deal has been formally signed off - despite a Tory rebellion which saw two former Prime Ministers vote against part of it.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly and the European Commission's Maros Sefcovic agreed to adopt the new Windsor Framework which is aimed at undoing some of Boris Johnson's botched deal.

The new Stormont brake - which gives the UK power to block changes to EU law applying to Northern Ireland - won the backing of MPs despite bitter Mr Johnson and Liz Truss voting against it on Wednesday.

The DUP, which collapsed devolved government in the province in protest over the Brexit deal agreed by Mr Johnson, also opposed it, as did hardline Tories.

There is no sign yet that the DUP intends to go back to powersharing.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly attended a meeting today to sign off on the deal (PA)

Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris warned the DUP that there was no prospect of renegotiating the deal ahead of today's meeting.

Brussels has also formally agreed to the key parts of the Windsor Framework at a Council of the EU meeting.

Ahead of the meeting of the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee, Mr Cleverly said: "By formally approving the Windsor Framework, we are delivering on our commitment to provide stability and certainty for Northern Ireland.

"The framework is the best deal for Northern Ireland, safeguarding its place in the Union and protecting the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement.

"I look forward to further effective co-operation with the EU on key issues, such as security and energy."

The UK hopes that the new deal on the protocol can mark a step towards British participation in the EU's 100 billion euro Horizon programme, with science and research likely to feature in official discussions between the pair.

The continuing stand-off at Stormont suggests the prospects for a return to powersharing in time for the 25th anniversary next month of the Good Friday Agreement remain bleak.

The executive and the Assembly have been suspended since the DUP walked out last year in protest at the way the Northern Ireland Protocol negotiated by Mr Johnson was operating.