N Ireland halts post-Brexit checks

The British government yesterday condemned threats to port workers implementing controversial post-Brexit trade checks in Northern Ireland, calling for clear heads to ease fears of an upsurge in sectarian tensions.

Checks were suspended at Belfast and Larne ports late Monday, and the European Commission said staff working at two border posts in the British province were told to stay away.

The development comes just over a month into new trading arrangements after Brexit took full effect, and warnings it could stoke lingering sectarian sentiment in Northern Ireland.