Problem at the Port of Larne – Checks on products halted for staff safety – Currently unclear how this will impact supply chain to retailers

Brexit checks on animal and food products arriving into Belfast and Larne ports have been halted after “sinister and menacing behaviour” towards staff led to fears for their safety, The Guardian has reported. Since checks were introduced on goods from Great Britain – graffiti has appeared on a wall near Larne port

Mid and East Antrim council has removed 12 of its staff at Larne port with immediate effect. One diplomatic source said “Where is the flexibility and the creative solutions that the EU called for during the Brexit negotiations? Every day there are new twists and complications and these are touching the notions of identity and sovereignty, which are hugely sensitive and were the cause of past conflicts.”

It is currently unclear precisely how this will impact the supply chain to retailers.

A spokesman for the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera) said: “On the basis of information received today and pending further discussions with the PSNI [Police Service of Northern Ireland], Daera has decided in the interests of the wellbeing of staff to temporarily suspend physical inspections of products of animal origin at Larne and Belfast.

“The situation will be kept under review and in the meantime full documentary checks will continue to be carried out as usual.”