UK formally seeks more time from Brussels to avoid ‘sausage war’ trade battle

Packets of sausages in an M&S store in Belfast (Liam McBurney/PA)

The European Union warned “there is no alternative” to the Brexit arrangements put in place for Northern Ireland, as the UK sought an extension to temporary measures allowing sausages to cross the Irish Sea.

Restrictions on shipments of chilled meats are due to come into force when a grace period expires at the end of the month.