Brexit: EU warns UK over goods checks between NI and GB

EU ministers have warned the UK that the chance of reaching a trade deal will be damaged unless preparations begin for checks on goods coming into Northern Ireland from Great Britain.

The EU has approved a blueprint for post-Brexit trade talks but Ireland’s foreign minister said a successful outcome would depend on the UK honouring its existing commitments.

“If that doesn’t happen… it will damage significantly the prospects of being able to get even a bare bones trade agreement,” Simon Coveney said.

Germany’s Europe Minister Michale Roth echoed Mr Coveney, saying: “My message is crystal clear to our friends in London – keep your promises based on the {Ireland} Protocol.”

Under the withdrawal deal, reached in October, Northern Ireland will continue to follow EU rules on agricultural and manufactured goods.

The rest of the UK will stop following these rules at the end of 2020.

Additionally, the whole of the UK will leave the EU’s customs union but Northern Ireland will continue to enforce the EU’s customs code at its ports.

The EU has been clear that will mean some new checks and processes for goods coming into Northern Ireland from other parts of the UK.