Cross-border body to police customs proposed by UUP

That has led to well-publicised problems getting some goods into Northern Ireland.

Now the UUP have outlined "a number of practical measures and legislation to remove barriers" currently being faced by local businesses and consumers.

UUP leader Steve Aiken said the proposals "are an attempt in good faith to provide possible solutions and start a conversation around how we bring an end to the barriers being faced by businesses and consumers".

"The Northern Ireland Protocol continues to pose serious challenges to the economic and constitutional integrity of the UK," he said.

"We urgently need to see derogations put in place."

He added: "Consumers in Northern Ireland cannot continue to be penalised, so a way forward must be found."

Mr Aiken said the "farcical scenes on Friday when the EU triggered Article 16 and then spent the days since rowing back from their actions" shows there is "a need for real change" around the protocol.

"This provides an opportunity for both sides to take a fresh look and to come up with solutions that will serve Northern Ireland in the long-term free from the charade that either side holds this place in higher esteem than the other," he added.

The paper calls for the establishment of an all islands compliance body' "within the existing North/South and East/West structures".

The UUP said it believes "it could resolve the issues with onward supply and EU customs officials at NI ports and other Irish Sea and airports".

According to the paper, the newly created body could provide a dual function of education and enforcement to ensure compliance with EU rules.

"Not only could it provide an educational role on the island of Ireland ensuring manufacturers understand requirements on goods and the components of goods and their transport in the Single Market, they could also carry out visits to premises and depots across the Island to ensure goods are compliant with EU Single Market Rules," the paper said.

It added: "Having a body that can operate seamlessly across these islands could be a pragmatic solution to the current situation of rotating customs officials from different EU nations."

The UUP also said an additional treaty with the EU/Republic of Ireland might be necessary.

"A new cross-border body will require an amendment to the existing 1999 treaty setting up the current six bodies. Involvement of the EU in such a treaty might be appropriate to give it confidence that arrangements were going to be honoured in a legal context," the paper said.

"Furthermore, some modest devolution from Westminster to Stormont may be required to facilitate these new arrangements."

Belfast Telegraph