Brexit border checks will NOT return to Northern Ireland despite legal threats from EU, ministers say
- Goods will still be able to reach Northern Ireland from Britain without checks
- The EU has brought legal action against the UK government over the NI protocol
- Both the UK and EU have indicated they want to reach a deal over the situation
Border checks between Northern Ireland and the rest of the United Kingdom will remain suspended despite legal threats from Brussels, the government has told the EU.
The European Commission has brought formal proceedings against the British government.
However, ministers have said goods subject to checks under the Northern Ireland protocol such as food will be waved through to the province.
The EU is said to want a negotiated settlement over the protocol, The Times reported, meaning retaliatory action is unlikely to be immediate.
Prime Minister Liz Truss has hinted she wants to see a deal reached but has said she will not stop legislation which would allow ministers to unilaterally override elements of the Northern Ireland protocol if an agreement is not made.
Previous speculation that Ms Truss could trigger Article 16 and suspend parts of the protocol now seems unlikely, with both sides looking for a settlement.
The decision not to bring back border checks means goods including sausages and dairy products can be moved to Northern Ireland from the rest of the UK without being stopped
Prime Minister Liz Truss has hinted she wants to see a deal reached but has said she will not stop legislation which would allow ministers to unilaterally override elements of the Northern Ireland protocol if an agreement is not made
However, the EU is likely to impose trade sanctions on Britain if the bill is passed into law.
Legal action was brought forward by the bloc after the bill was published, leading to accusations the UK was not abiding by the 2020 agreement with the EU.
The decision by ministers not to bring back border checks means goods including sausages and dairy products can be moved to Northern Ireland without being stopped.
It also means pets can be brought to Northern Ireland without the need for an animal health certificate.
The EU has suggested it could make concessions in negotiations, but it is not likely to meet all the UK’s demands.
Informal talks between the Prime Minster and EU leaders are expected in the next few days in the build-up to the Queen’s funeral on Monday.
The government has not commented on the situation due to the official period of mourning.
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