‘Northern Ireland Protocol being used to hold institutions hostage’

The DUP is blocking the functioning of the powersharing institutions in Belfast as part of its protest against the protocol that has created barriers on the movement of goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Brexit has contributed significantly to the paralysis of devolved institutions, the Council of Europe said (Paul Faith/PA)

The Northern Ireland Protocol is being used to hold institutions there “hostage”, the Council of Europe has heard.

Parties on both sides should “seek in a constructive spirit practical solutions” to ensure smooth implementation of the protocol, a debate at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) was told.