LONDON — U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak headed to Northern Ireland for talks with the region’s parties, as expectation mounts that Britain and the E.U. will reach a deal on post-Brexit trading arrangements in the coming days.
Sunak flew to Belfast on Thursday evening, according to a person familiar with his plans who spoke anonymously about the unannounced visit.
Foreign Secretary James Cleverly will also have lunch with European Commission Vice President Maros Sefcovic Friday, people familiar said, in another indication that both sides are looking to close a deal to resolve long-standing divisions over the Northern Ireland Protocol, the portion of the Brexit deal setting out the region’s trading arrangements.
