Germany's Merkel 'Optimistic' About Solution To NI Protocol Issues

Speaking at a presser alongside UK PM Boris Johnson, German Chancellor Angela Merkel states:

• On Northern Ireland that 'We talked about the implementation of the Northern Ireland Protocol....I am optimistic that we can find pragmatic solutions that maintain the integrity of the single market but will also contribute to creating acceptable solutions for the people....it's a good thing that the grace period was prolonged for a few months, we should all use it to look for a solution'.
• On UK citizens being allowed to travel to Germany: 'We now see the share of the delta variant in Germany is increasing very rapidly...We think that in the foreseeable future that people who've received double jabs... will be able to travel again without having to go into quarantine'
• On UK-Germany relations: 'After Britain has left the EU, bilateral relations very much come to the fore... we should go step by step, it's good for bilateral relations'
• Merkel held talks with Johnson at the PM's country retreat, Chequers. She became the first foreign leader since then-US President Bill Clinton in 1997 to address the entire Cabinet. Merkel will now travel to Windsor Castle for an audience with Queen Elizabeth II.