‘Disarray’ over Northern Ireland

The government has been criticised for contradictory remarks about checks on goods moving between Northern Ireland and Great Britain after Brexit.

Home Secretary Priti Patel was unable to clarify what checks will take place and was not able to rule out the involvement of Border Force officers when she appeared before the Home Affairs Select Committee.

She has since written to it to clarify the position in the Northern Ireland Protocol, confirming that administrative procedures including a declaration will be required when goods move from GB to Northern Ireland.

Committee chairwoman Yvette Cooper said: “In the last three days, different senior members of the government have said contradictory things about checks on goods moving from Northern Ireland to Great Britain and the other way round.”

Brexit Secretary Stephen

Barclay sought to reassure MPs and businesses about the nature of checks on goods between Northern Ireland and GB proposed in the new Brexit deal.

He said it would be an “administrative process” which would involve “fairly straightforward data”.

He clarified comments by Boris Johnson on Wednesday when he said there would be no checks between Northern Ireland and GB.

DUP Westminster leader Nigel Dodds urged Mr Barclay to “take seriously” concerns raised by PSNI Chief Constable Simon Byrne, including warnings about the risk of loyalist violence.

Northern Ireland Secretary Julian Smith insisted on Wednesday that checks will be minimal after Brexit, but he was to give any further detail.

Shadow Northern Ireland secretary Tony Lloyd said: “The government is in complete disarray about the impact of its sell-out Brexit deal on Northern Ireland.

In spotlight over checks: Home Secretary Priti Patel