Johnson threatens Taoiseach he will trigger Article 16 if Brexit row not solved

In the most direct threat yet from Downing Street, Mr Johnson left Mr Martin in no doubt as to his willingness to press the pause button on the protocol

Prime minister Boris Johnson spoke this afternoon by telephone with Micheál Martin.

Unless a solution to the Northern Ireland Brexit row can be found soon, then Britain will have to trigger Article 16 of the protocol, prime minister Boris Johnson has told Taoiseach Micheál Martin.

The two leaders spoke this afternoon by telephone and Mr Johnson and Mr Martin said the preferred outcome is one where a solution can be found.