Northern Ireland business leaders have welcomed another delay on increased checks on certain goods crossing the Irish Sea, but are urging the UK and EU to strike a comprehensive long-term deal.

As Brexit Minister Lord Frost announced an indefinite delay on checks on goods, including chilled meats and medicines, arriving here from Great Britain, the Ulster Unionist leader Doug Beattie has come under attack after proposing an all-Ireland body to help tackle issues around the Protocol.

The UUP yesterday launched a position paper on the Protocol, proposing a labelling system for products entering Northern Ireland from GB. Identifying products that will not be entering the Republic as “UK sale only” would be one way to reduce new Irish Sea checks, according to the party.

It also believes designating “free ports” would reduce duties and taxes and limit Brexit bureaucracy.

The Belfast Telegraph has further coverage.