The Latest Breaking News from DUP

Move will stop coalition from agreeing three-year budget - a spending plan that is currently out for public consultation

Northern Ireland's first minister intends to resign later on Thursday in protest at post-Brexit trade rules, the BBC reported as the European Union warned Britain that it would breach international law if it lets Belfast halt some checks on goods.

It comes after his party the DUP ordered a halt to Brexit checks at ports.

DUP minister Edwin Poots said he had ordered his permanent secretary to halt checks at midnight on Wednesday, a move branded a “stunt” by Sinn Fein.

DUP minister Edwin Poots, whose officials are responsible for carrying out Northern Ireland Protocol checks, has ordered them to stop at midnight.

Sinn Fein Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill branded the move a stunt.

Edwin Poots claims he no longer has the legal authority to continue with agri-food checks on goods arriving at local ports from Great Britain.

DUP minister Edwin Poots ordered officials to stop checks at Northern Ireland's ports - which are required under Boris Johnson's Brexit deal

DUP minister Edwin Poots claims the absence of wider approval of the Stormont Executive means he no longer has legal cover to continue the checks.