Boris Johnson backs away from Northern Ireland protocol threat ahead of talks

PM will go to Belfast seeking broadest possible support' from party leaders

Boris Johnson will vow not to scrap the Brexit deal governing Northern Ireland and instead back reform that has the broadest possible cross-community support", in an attempt to cool tensions over the issue.

In a shift in tone before emergency talks in Belfast on Monday, the prime minister will make it clear that he has no intention of scrapping the so-called Northern Ireland protocol, which he claims is causing significant disruption to trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.