Boris Johnson risks confrontation with EU as he vows to 'fix' Northern Ireland protocol

Boris Johnson has threatened to create legislation allowing the UK to tear up a key part of his own Brexit deal.

The Prime Minister risked a fresh confrontation with Brussels by vowing to “fix” the Northern Ireland protocol, which was designed to prevent a hard border on the island of Ireland.

Mr Johnson confirmed today ministers were looking at using legislation to rewrite the protocol, which is expected to be in the next parliamentary session beginning in May.

It comes less than two weeks before the Northern Ireland Assembly election, with anger among Unionist parties who believed the protocol separates Northern Ireland from the rest of the UK.

Goods vehicles carrying chilled meats and other items from the UK mainland disembark at Larne port in Northern Ireland (Getty Images)

The PM told a press conference in New Delhi: “The protocol really does not command the confidence of a large, large component of the population in Northern Ireland. We have to address that, we have to fix that.

"We think we can do it with some very simple and reasonable steps.

"We have talked repeatedly to our friends and partners in the EU. We will continue to talk to them.

"But as I have said many times now we don't rule out taking steps now if those are necessary."

Asked if this included legislation, he said: “Of course.”