Ursula von der Leyen

Rishi Sunak and Ursula von der Leyen say 'Windsor framework' has been reached after four months of negotiations.

Sunak said: “Parliament will of course have its say and there will be a vote. “It provides for long-lasting solutions that both of us are confident will work for all people and businesses in Northern Ireland.” EU diplomats gave a cautious response to the Windsor framework, the 26-page document that will sit alongside the legally binding Northern Ireland protocol, which remains in place. Sir Jeffrey Donaldson welcomed “significant progress” in the UK-EU deal but cautioned that concerns remained and said the party would take time to analyse the text. Sunak responded: “This is also about the people of Northern Ireland. He said the deal “permanently removes any sense of a border in the Irish Sea”.

Mr Sunak hailed the “decisive breakthrough” at a news conference with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen after the pair met for “final talks” at ...

[Older updates](?page=2) “Whilst it will be great to have the DUP on board, it would be great to get on with those reforms. Tory MP Robert Buckland has said “now is the time to press ahead with much needed change” ahead of the prime minister’s “final talks” with the EU chief. - The prime minister will travel to Westminster to give a statement in the House of Commons around 6.30pm Mr Sunak also said Parliament will have a vote on the deal “at the appropriate time”, adding: “I think it’s important we give everyone the time and the space they need to consider the detail of the framework.” The Prime Minister said the new deal “delivers smooth-flowing trade within the whole of the United Kingdom, protects Northern Ireland’s place in our union and safeguards sovereignty for the people of Northern Ireland”.

PM insists new deal 'removes any sense of border in Irish Sea' at Windsor press conference.

Mr Sunak said: “Parliament will of course have its say and there will be a vote. Conservative MP Simon Hoare, chairman of the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee, said: “Whilst respecting entirely and agreeing… It had been expected that both the UK and the EU would try to find a way around the difficult role of the European Court of Justice (ECJ). It is set to function along the same lines as the Good Friday Agreement safeguard of the petition of concern. And I hope – as we all do – that Northern Ireland’s political institutions are soon back up and running. “Northern Ireland can accomplish the extraordinary when its leaders work together in common cause. The Prime Minister said the agreement “can start providing that certainty, and those benefits, to the people and communities of Northern Ireland very soon”, and said “we want to start delivering those benefits for people on the ground as quickly as we can”. He added: “I believe that this agreement… does ensure the free flow of trade within our United Kingdom internal market, including unfettered access for Northern Ireland producers to the rest of the United Kingdom. “Ahead of the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, now is the time to protect the hard-earned gains of the Agreement, and to deepen EU-UK cooperation and partnership for generations to come.” It provides for the creation of a fast-tracked “green” lane for certain goods entering Northern Ireland, and hands the Northern Ireland Assembly a new “Stormont brake” which allows the UK government to “veto” changes to EU goods rules which may apply to Northern Ireland. “The Windsor Framework must support the Good Friday Agreement, be acceptable to the people of Northern Ireland, and improve the British-Irish partnership,” she said in a statement.

The talks come as the PM and European Commission president finalise a new Brexit deal.

[Jacob Rees-Mogg](https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/news/jacob-rees-mogg/) said: “If there were a plan to bring the King in before there is domestic political agreement, it would border on constitutional impropriety.” [Arlene Foster ](https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/news/arlene-foster/)said it was “tone deaf” for for the government to advise the king to meet von der Leyen at such a politically sensitive moment. He added: “His view is that it is a matter for the palace to decide and ultimately for the kind to decide if he wants to meet individuals.” [negotiations with the prime minister](https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/rishi-sunak-to-meet-ursula-von-der-leyen-for-talks-tomorrow_uk_63fb987ae4b0ecabba9fdf8f) to put the finishing touches to a new deal on the [Northern Ireland Protocol.](https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/news/northern-ireland-protocol/) In a statement, the palace said: “The king is pleased to meet any world leader if they are visiting Britain and it is the government’s advice that he should do so.” [Rishi Sunak](https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/news/rishi-sunak/) urged King Charles to meet the president of the European Commission in the middle of crunch Brexit talks.

Sources close to the negotiations have told Sky News any involvement by the King was definitely an attempt to sell the protocol domestically - while ...

To distance themselves from the suggestion this was at the King's behest, a palace source said: "The King is pleased to meet any world leader if they are visiting Britain and it is the Government's advice that he should do so." Downing Street has defended the decision to advise the King to meet the EU boss as the UK and the bloc seal a new Brexit deal on Northern Ireland. Labour's shadow Northern Ireland secretary Peter Kyle said: "I do not know how a thought of involving the King could pass somebody's mind and reach it to their mouth before they realise that this is a very very unwise policy to choose because it has constitutional implications." "The political risk for the prime minister is that it sours the mood further in Northern Ireland and makes it harder for him to sell his agreement there." A palace spokesperson said: "The King is pleased to meet any world leader if they are visiting Britain and it is the government's advice that he should do so." "But it is standard that the government provides advice to the palace on things like visits and meetings."

European Commission president, said to have a love of British history, met Charles after Northern Ireland deal agreed.

But with the deal done, with warm words from Von der Leyen for “dear Rishi” and a promise of a fresh era of relations with the EU, the tea at Windsor Castle took place despite the protestations. I think the same applies – that his majesty should not be involved until there is full support for this agreement.” He is meeting with the president of the EU today.” “I think the sovereign should only be involved when things have been completed and accepted,” he told GB News. Von der Leyen has always described herself as passionate anglophile with a love for British history and – it was hinted – a personal desire to meet Charles. No 10’s line was the opposite – that it was a decision for Buckingham Palace.

Watch as Rishi Sunak and Ursula von der Leyen hold a press conference in Windsor after reaching an agreement on the Northern Ireland protocol on Monday (27 ...

In a storied wedding venue, the European Commission president and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak sealed a new Brexit arrangement.

Ms von der Leyen spoke under the watchful gaze of the portraits of dozens of former monarchs and was also granted an audience with the King as part of her visit to the UK – something which critics said risked politicising the royal family. “That’s what we’ve done. In the building which saw the weddings of the King and his Queen Consort and Sir Elton John and David Furnish, Ms von der Leyen set out why she and Mr Sunak were able to “deliver on an important commitment” to each other.

Palace sources have stressed that the King's involvement would not be political.

I think the same applies, that His Majesty should not be involved until there is full support for this agreement.” We must remember this is not the King’s decision but the Government, who it appears are tone deaf.” Mrs von der Leyen will be greeted on arrival at the castle by the King’s equerry and his private secretary. It has been suggested that the deal [could be called the Windsor Agreement](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2023/02/24/rishi-sunak-secure-new-brexit-deal-weekend/). [in Ukraine](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2023/02/02/real-reason-ukraine-wont-joining-eu-time-soon/).

Is it wise for King Charles to get dragged into the Brexit deal row? European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen is in Windsor today to sign off on ...

We have the first indication that the King might be prepared to give symbolic weight to an agreement that is inevitably freighted with controversy. When King Charles acceded the throne, one of the first things he promised to do was to rule in a neutral fashion. While this might have been an inspired suggestion from a PR perspective, there was a downside: it would create a constitutional nightmare if the King was to be seen as getting involved in politics. Jacob Rees-Mogg has already signalled the right wing of the Conservative party’s reluctance for such a meeting to take place. Over the last few days, there have been contradictory briefings as to whether or not King Charles was going to be meeting von der Leyen on her trip to Britain. ‘The King is pleased to meet any world leader if they are visiting Britain and it is the Government’s advice that he should do so,’ a Palace spokesman said.

The politician's life and career have spanned Belgium, Germany, the UK, and the US, where she has shattered numerous glass ceilings.

While the quota was never met, gender-equality organisations praised Von der Leyen for her efforts and vision. Later, in 1986, she married fellow physician Heiko con der Leyen, who is descended from a wealthy family of silk merchants. In London, she spent more than a year in hiding, living under the protection of Scotland Yard under the name Rose Ladson. In 1977, she started studying economics at the University of Gottingen. [European Commission](https://www.standard.co.uk/topic/eu-commission); the first female to hold the title. [Stanford](https://www.standard.co.uk/topic/stanford), [California](https://www.standard.co.uk/topic/california), while her husband worked at [Stanford University](https://www.standard.co.uk/topic/stanford-university). [Angela Merkel](https://www.standard.co.uk/topic/angela-merkel), who was the party’s chairwoman at the time. [Christian Democratic Union](https://www.standard.co.uk/topic/christian-democratic-union) party. [ Rishi Sunak](https://www.standard.co.uk/topic/rishi-sunak) and [European Commission](/topic/european-commission) President [ Ursula von der Leyen](https://www.standard.co.uk/topic/ursula-von-der-leyen) revealed a new [ Northern Ireland Protocol](https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/northern-ireland-protocol-explained-brexit-eu-uk-deal-rishi-sunak-b1061053.html) in the aftermath of [Brexit](https://www.standard.co.uk/topic/brexit). [London School of Economics](https://www.standard.co.uk/topic/london-school-of-economics). [Brussels ](https://www.standard.co.uk/topic/brussels)to German parents. [European Commission](https://www.standard.co.uk/topic/european-commission)’s president in 2019.

Questions are being asked over who did arrange the meeting between King Charles and EU commission chief Ursula von der Leyen - after all sides denied ...

The former BBC royal correspondent added: "He's abandoned his unifying role and entered the political fray, in a foolish bid to be seen as statesmanlike. It is constitutionally unwise to involve the King in a matter of immediate political controversy.' Responding to Foster tweet, PM's spokesman said: 'There will be a range of views. [Buckingham Palace](/news/buckingham-palace/index.html) has recused itself from any part in the dispute, besides making clear that the King himself had nothing to do with arranging the meeting and would never make such a high-profile political invitation himself. Mr Rees-Mogg earlier described the prospect of a meeting between the King and von der Leyen as a mistake, telling GB News: 'It is surprising that The King will meet Ursula von der Leyen today as it antagonises the people the PM needs to conciliate'. It's crass and will go down very badly in NI.

A meeting between King Charles and EU chief Ursula von der Leyen at Windsor Castle has caused controversy with the claim that it has dragged the monarchy ...

A key part of the deal is an emergency "Stormont brake" on changes to EU goods rules that can be pulled by the Northern Ireland Assembly, with No 10 hopeful that it will ensure concerns over a "democratic deficit" are addressed. "Together we have changed the original protocol and are today announcing the new Windsor Framework," he said. The view of the party will be crucial, if the deal is to help restore powersharing at Stormont. The prime minister called it a "very powerful mechanism" for Stormont to use when it has concerns over EU law, as he heralded the overall deal as a "decisive breakthrough". Earlier the agreement over Northern Ireland was called “historic” by Ms Von der Leyen and the prime minister called it a “decisive breakthrough”. [Rishi Sunak](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/rishi-sunak) and Von der Leyen was hailed as a “new chapter” in the fractious relationship between the UK and the EU.

Critics have claimed the meeting between the King and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen risked politicising the monarchy.

Of course that was a conversation we had with the Palace. “Ursula von der Leyen is a very senior international representative. “It was our invitation for Ursula von der Leyen to come to the UK to finalise this deal with the Prime Minister.

King Charles met with Ursula von der Leyen in the White Drawing Room in Windsor Castle - a lavish space steeped in royal history. created as private ...

Adorning the clock is a draped bronze figure, thought to represent Astronomy. A fireguard – white, matching the theme of the room – can be seen in front of the fireplace within the drawing room. The ornate fireguard with a gold gilt frame perfectly completements the opulent decor in the rest of the room The three-seat settee is part of a four-piece suite, with two matching armchairs and a two-seater. Nowhere is the opulent stamp of George IV more clear in the drawing room than in the gilt panelled walls. This Remond mantel clock, which sits atop the mantel piece, is one of the ornate decorative pieces lending a lavish air to the room The walls of the White Drawing Room are adorned with priceless art, notably a Franz Winterhalter portrait of Queen Victoria. The carpet, which was fitted in 1851 during the reign of Queen Victoria, was originally fitted in the Green Drawing Room. King Charles (left) met with Ursula von der Leyen (centre) in the White Drawing Room at Windsor Castle (pictured) - a semi-state room steeped in history The floor of the White Drawing Room is covered with a carpet by famed Devon-based manufacturer Axminster Carpets that dates back to at least 1890. The White Drawing Room contains some priceless objets d'art, from a portrait of Queen Victoria to a carpet that survived the Windsor Castle fire in 1992. Inside the White Drawing Room at Windsor Castle: Room where King Charles met Ursula von der Leyen is steeped in royal history - including a priceless portrait of Queen Victoria

Critics have claimed the meeting between the King and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen risked politicising the monarchy.

Of course that was a conversation we had with the Palace. “Ursula von der Leyen is a very senior international representative. Leading Conservative Brexiteer Jacob Rees-Mogg said it was wrong to involve the King in the “immediate political controversy” on the day the Prime Minister signed a new agreement – dubbed the Windsor Framework – with Ms von der Leyen.

Their late tea will come after the EU chief signs a deal on the Northern Ireland Protocol.

“It’s not uncommon for his majesty to accept invitations to meet certain leaders, he has met President Duda and President Zelensky recently. Downing Street has defended the decision to advise the King to meet Ms von der Leyen, saying Mr Sunak “fundamentally” believes the final decision was for the King. It’s crass and will go down very badly in NI.

Foreign secretary defends decision condemned as 'crass', with No 10 and palace failing to clarify who organised meeting.

Buckingham Palace said the king was acting on “the government’s advice”. Downing Street said it was “fundamentally” a decision for the king. There was outrage among some politicians after the meeting was announced. The final decision on the availability of his majesty is with the palace.” Cleverly told LBC radio: “Ursula von der Leyen is a very senior international representative. Jacob Rees-Mogg said it was wrong to involve the king in the “immediate political controversy” on the day the prime minister signed a new agreement –