Sunak Faces PMQs Amid Ongoing Talks on Northern Ireland Protocol and Nurses' Pay

Strategic Insights -

Rishi Sunak is set to take Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs) today, amidst ongoing talks on the Northern Ireland protocol and the nurses' pay dispute. While an announcement on a potential deal for the Northern Ireland protocol seems possible, with an announcement on Thursday appearing increasingly likely, the Prime Minister has yet to unveil his proposal. Meanwhile, the health secretary, Steve Barclay, is holding talks with the Royal College of Nursing in the hope of resolving the pay dispute that has led to strikes.

Key Takeaways:

  • Rishi Sunak is taking PMQs today, with the Northern Ireland protocol and nurses' pay dispute dominating the agenda.
  • An announcement on a potential deal for the Northern Ireland protocol seems possible, with an announcement on Thursday appearing increasingly likely.
  • The health secretary, Steve Barclay, is holding talks with the Royal College of Nursing to resolve the pay dispute that has led to strikes.
  • The government is relaxing its opposition to reopening the pay offer for this year, suggesting a possible 5% pay rise for public sector workers.
  • The Treasury has indicated in a private memo that a 5% pay rise would have a "low risk" of setting a benchmark for protracted high private-sector pay growth.
  • The government is under pressure to find a solution to the Northern Ireland protocol, with the DUP and ERG threatening to oppose any deal.
  • Sunak has vowed not to "sell anyone out" on the Northern Ireland protocol, with veterans minister Johnny Mercer stating that the Prime Minister is determined to deliver on Brexit.

Statistics:

  • 3.5%: the proposed pay rise for public sector workers next year, as suggested by government submissions to the pay review bodies.
  • 5%: the pay rise being considered by the government, as suggested by a private memo from the Treasury.

Sources:

  • BBC News (UK): "Sunak takes PMQs as talks resume on nurses' pay but Brexit deal announcement remains on hold"
  • The i: "Resign if you want to, Sunak tells ministers, as he calls Tory rebels' bluff on Brexit deal"
  • Financial Times: "Sunak weighs 5% public sector pay rise after £30bn Treasury windfall"