Will Rishi Sunak rely on Labour to pass protocol deal?

The PM has been warned not to push an imminent deal with the EU through parliament against the DUP’s wishes. Adam Forrest takes a closer look at what happens next

The PM’s deal could require Keir Starmer’s support to get it over the line (Getty/EPA)

Rishi Sunak will be feeling cautiously confident that he can get through the latest Brexit turmoil with his authority intact, after several senior Brexiteers indicated they were keen to back his agreement with the EU.

The prime minister looks set to avoid an overwhelming rebellion among his backbenchers, despite a rough week in which he failed to bring the DUP and the unionists’ Tory allies in the European Research Group (ERG) on board with the outline of his compromise with Brussels.

With or without the DUP, Sunak is ready to announce his deal within “days”, deputy prime minister Dominic Raab suggested. It could come as soon as Monday, with MPs asked to be in parliament in case the details of the agreement are finally ready to be unveiled.