Brexit news – live: DUP accused of ‘silly games’ over legal action, as No 10 denies influence of Boris Johnson’s fiancee

Photograph: PA

Too much Brexit 'red tape', says Keir Starmer

Downing Street has denied that Boris Johnson’s fiancée Carrie Symonds has a key role in running the country, after a Tory think tank called for an inquiry into the extent of her influence.

The Bow Group has called for a public review into whether Ms Symonds has power in shaping policy. “It’s incorrect,” said No 10 press secretary Allegra Stratton when asked if the PM’s fiancée had a key role.

Meanwhile, the DUP and other unionist parties in Northern Ireland have teamed up to launch a legal challenge against the protocol, part of the Brexit deal with the EU aimed at avoiding a hard border in Ireland.

However Sinn Fein vice president Michelle O’Neill urged the DUP to stop playing “silly games” and focus on solving the difficulties caused by Brexit.

• DUP leads legal challenge against NI protocol
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