Boris: I’ll tear up NI Protocol if EU does nothing

BORIS Johnson will stand firm today on his threat to ditch parts of the postBrexit deal on Northern Ireland if the EU doesn’t back down.

The Prime Minister will highlight problems in the province caused by the Northern Ireland Protocol and vow to step in if Brussels fails to act. On a visit to Belfast, he will outline how it affects the availability of medicine there and restricts the Government’s ability to help its post-Covid recovery.

The PM is set to discuss the issue with the leaders of the five main Stormont parties as he seeks changes to the agreement to allow the restoration of Northern Ireland’s powersharing executive.

Writing in the Belfast Telegraph today, Mr Johnson says: ‘Our shared objective must be to create the broadest cross-community support for a reformed Protocol in 2024.

He adds: ‘I hope the EU’s position changes. If it does not, there will be a necessity to act.’

Last night, a source said advice received by the Government shows the Good Friday Agreement trumps the Protocol legally.

EU leaders have warned of retaliatory measures if the UK acts unilaterally to suspend or change the Protocol.