MLA Doug Beattie warns that NI Protocol obstructs ‘free movement’ of the military from GB to NI

Mr Beattie has said that, under the protocol, the MoD must now give 15 days notice and fill out customs declaration forms before it moves equipment from GB to NI.

He also said NATO has to be notified about the move.

Former Army officer Mr Beattie told the BBC it is “ludicrous where UK armed forces cannot move around the UK with equipment without permission”.

In a letter to Secretary of State Brandon Lewis, revealed by the BBC, he called for urgent action to “protect military operations” in Northern Ireland.

He wrote that “military equipment, and in some cases personnel, cannot be moved from Great Britain to Northern Ireland unless they complete a customs form”.

“More worryingly, there will also be a need to complete a NATO form before any movement takes place,” Mr Beattie added.

“This NATO form is usually for the movement of UK forces and their equipment around the globe, but in this instance it is to allow UK forces to move within the confines of our own country.

“This is quite incredible and I simply cannot believe that any UK government would tolerate such a situation.”

Mr Beattie told the secretary of state if the “barriers” cannot be removed, then Mr Lewis must invoke Article 16 of the Northern Ireland Protocol.

Mr Beattie has also raised his concerns with the Armed Forces Minister James Heappey.

An MoD spokesperson told the BBC: “The Northern Ireland Protocol has not placed any limitations on the Ministry of Defence’s ability to conduct operations.”