NI Protocol: Brandon Lewis to announce string of 'temporary operational steps' to ease impact on Northern Ireland

Secretary of State Lewis also told MPs in the House of Commons it was the government's “intention that no charging regime is required for agrifoods”, adding further details will be outlined on Wednesday.

He also said further guidance will be provided later this week on parcel movements from Great Britain to Northern Ireland amid concerns raised by DUP Westminster leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson about disruption to orders as the end of the three-month grace period nears.

Speaking in the Commons, Mr Lewis also told MPs: “We’ve heard the concerns that have been raised by people and businesses in Northern Ireland and we’re sensitive to the economic, societal and political realities in Northern Ireland.

“That is why we’re taking forward a series of further temporary operational steps which reflect the simple reality that there is more time needed to adapt and implement new requirements as we continue our discussions with the EU.

“These include a new operational plan for supermarkets and their suppliers, committed to at the joint committee, and I’ll lay a written ministerial statement detailing these steps later today.”