Tensions have been running high on the Irish border

Boris Johnson has agreed to drop parts of the Withdrawal Agreement in relation to Northern Ireland in the first key step to sealing a deal with the EU.

The UK Cabinet Office said the Uk government had agreed in principle on issues such as border controls and the supply of medicines.

It will mean there will be no return to a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

The government says it will now withdraw controversial clauses in the Internal Market Bill.

There had been hints, reported by Daily Business this morning, that the UK government was preparing to offer concessions in the bill to help ease tensions with the EU.