Ireland says UK risks sending message it will break treaties in Brexit row

Foreign minister criticises sabre-rattling' from UK amid signs British rhetoric is softening over Northern Ireland protocol

Plans to shred parts of the Northern Ireland protocol would send headlines around the world" that the UK is prepared to break treaties, Ireland's foreign minister has said, as a British cabinet minister insisted the UK did not intend to break the law.

The business secretary, Kwasi Kwarteng, said the UK had the right to act in a sovereign way" and to reopen or re-examine the protocol" but denied the actions would constitute a breach of international law.