Brexit: EU poised to take legal action against UK over Northern Ireland

Bloc agrees on need for action after Britain unilaterally extends grace period for checks on goods

The European Union is set to launch a two-pronged legal assault on the UK in the coming days after the British government's unilateral decision to allow businesses in Northern Ireland more time to adapt to post-Brexit rules.

EU27 ambassadors were briefed on Tuesday on the plans, which are likely to involve initiating a formal infringement proceeding" that could end up at the European court of justice (ECJ), and triggering the dispute mechanism in the Brexit withdrawal agreement.