EU officials still not back at work in NI ports following threats

European Commission spokeswoman Arianna Podesta told reporters in Brussels: “The situation remains unchanged with respect to what we have said on Tuesday – so just to confirm, they are not back yet.”

Asked what checks were now being carried out, with staff not present at ports, she said: “The physical checks are one of the components of the checks so there are the other types of checks that are continuing, and this issues was specifically at some checkpoints.”

The commission said the approach to checks was also a question for the UK authorities.

In response to the UK’s request to extend the grace periods in the Northern Ireland Protocol in order to allow the smooth flow of trade, European Commission spokesman Eric Mamer said: “The grace periods were always meant to be of a temporary nature and subject to strict conditions for their application.

“This was decided, of course, also in the context of discussions with the United Kingdom at the time.”

It was a matter for the Joint Committee, with the UK and EU sides led by Michael Gove and Maros Sefcovic, to “see what is the way forward”.

Valerie Vaz also called for a select committee on Brexit and the European Union to be reinstated, following delays to exports at the border.

Ms Vaz told the Commons: “Remember the Prime Minister’s promise to businesses in Northern Ireland – no forms, no checks, no barriers of any kind, you will have unfettered access?

“Can (Mr Rees-Mogg) look at restoring the select committee along the same lines that they have in the other place, unless the Leader thinks that they are more accountable than we are in this place?”

Jacob Rees-Mogg replied: “There are select committees that can look into all matters relating to our departure from the European Union and it is the general position of this Government and predecessor governments that by and large select committees should reflect the departments that they cover.

“Anything relating to Northern Ireland can be looked at by the Northern Ireland Committee, which is so wonderfully chaired by (Conservative MP Simon Hoare), one of my oldest friends in the House, who does it with great distinction and can carry out any inquiries that are sought fit by that committee.

“So there are plenty of opportunities for scrutiny.”