Brexit: more clashes over work at NI port controls

Executive ministers have clashed over a proposal from the environment minister that work on facilities in local ports that could be used for Brexit-related controls should be stopped.

The controls are currently used for controls of agri-food products and animals.

In July, the UK confirmed that it intended to set up border checkpoints in Northern Ireland ports.

The government then requested the job to expand the positions.

However, Environment Minister Edwin Poots is understood to have opined that going ahead with the expansion of current point of entry controls would be a waste of public resources following the latest UK Internal Market Act.

The new bill sets out rules for the functioning of the UK’s internal market (trade between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) after the end of the Brexit transition period in January.

There has been controversy over the bill that explicitly states that these powers must apply even if they are inconsistent with international law.

However, ministers say it is necessary to avoid “damaging” tariffs on products traveling from the rest of the UK to Northern Ireland if trade deal negotiations with the EU fail.

Stormont officials are concerned that any ministerial order to stop work at points of entry could violate Northern Ireland Law.

The act, which underpins the Stormont Executive, gives the Secretary of State the power to order a minister or department to take action if he believes it is necessary to meet the UK’s international obligations.

Sinn Féin, the SDLP and the Alliance argue that continued work on controls is required to meet the executive’s international obligations.

The matter was put to a vote between communities during an executive session late Thursday night.

The Environment Minister was not given authorization to stop the work.

The executive is seeking legal advice and will meet again on Friday to discuss more on the issue.