G7: Boris Johnson and Carrie meet Joe Biden and Jill

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The G7 summit has brought some of the world’s most important leaders to the UK, as Prime Minister Boris Johnson and others discussed the climate crisis. Mr Johnson looked to strengthen UK-US ties, praising the Biden administration as a “breath of fresh air” on Thursday. Mr Biden called their talks “very productive” and spoke of a “good first full day” in the UK, while Mr Johnson called their discussions “great” and “fantastic”.

The positive words came despite concerns over Brexit and Northern Ireland – the EU is unhappy with London for not fully implementing the withdrawal agreement.

The US President has also previously intervened on the issue, telling the British government that peace on the island of Ireland must not be a “casualty of Brexit”.

In March, an Irish government official said that President Biden “has our back”.

They told Politico: “We take heart from knowing that America ultimately has our back in these disputes. Irish America is still an influential ally.

“But it’s clear from our latest dialogue that President Biden appreciates the need to maintain space while legal and political arguments, principally between Britain and the European Commission but involving us as well, run their course.

“There’s no need to raise heat any further, not at this moment.”

The EU has warned it will retaliate “swiftly, firmly and resolutely” if the UK continues to challenge Brussels on the Northern Ireland protocol.

The row comes as the Government is reported to be considering unilaterally extending the grace periods under the protocol that give businesses in Northern Ireland time to adapt to new rules – including for the import of chilled meats such as sausages and mince from Britain.

The grace periods are due to expire at the end of June, but according to the Telegraph, Prime Minister Boris Johnson is contemplating extending them in the face of a lack of progress towards a new agreement.

Reports last week indicated that Mr Biden’s administration has intervened once more in recent weeks.

Senior US embassy diplomats in London, backed by the US national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, have directly warned the UK’s Brexit negotiator, Lord David Frost, that he will inflame tensions in Northern Ireland if he does not compromise over border checks.

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Mr Sullivan told a briefing on Air Force One before President Biden landed in the UK last week: “Any steps that imperil or undermine the Good Friday agreement will not be welcomed by the US.”

He declined to say if this is what he thought Mr Johnson was doing, adding: “The president was not issuing threats or ultimatum.

“He has been crystal clear about his rock solid belief in the Good Friday agreement as the foundation for peaceful coexistence in Northern Ireland.

“The agreement must be protected.”

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