PM UPBEAT ON BILL

BORIS Johnson insisted today that new legislation ripping up parts of the Northern Ireland Protocol could be in force by the end of the year.

MPs were preparing to vote for the first time later today on the new bill which would give the UK powers to unilaterally override the protocol, which established checks on some goods moving between the rest of Britain and the region.

The second reading of the bill is expected to clear the Commons but is set to face lengthy delays in the House of Lords.

Asked whether it could be in place by the end of the year, Mr Johnson told broadcasters: “Yes, we could do it very fast if Parliament’s willing.” He added however, that he was “optimistic” that the UK and EU could strike a new deal to avoid legal action and a trade war.