A judge in Belfast’s High Court has suspended an order made by Northern Ireland Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots (pictured) to stop border checks at the Irish Sea.

The order had been challenged in the High Court by an unidentified member of Sinn Féin, and a second applicant named Edward Rooney.

Mr Justice Colton ruled that inspections on goods entering Northern Ireland from Great Britain must continue pending the outcome of the challenges.

Opposition to Protocol

“There shouldn’t be any doubt or confusion hanging over those civil servants who have to comply with the law,” the judge said.

“I propose to make an order, suspending the order or instruction given by the Minister for Agriculture until further order of this court, or completion of these proceedings.”

The challenge is due for a full hearing next month.

Poots’s order was issued earlier this week, ahead of his DUP party colleague Paul Givan’s decision to step down as First Minister, as the party continues to oppose the border arrangements introduced as part of the Northern Ireland Protocol.