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DUP minister Gordon Lyons faces court challenge over halting work on inspection posts

Gordon Lyons is facing a legal challenge over halting work on permanent inspection posts. Picture by Press Eye
Gordon Lyons is facing a legal challenge over halting work on permanent inspection posts. Picture by Press Eye Gordon Lyons is facing a legal challenge over halting work on permanent inspection posts. Picture by Press Eye

DUP minister Gordon Lyons is facing a legal challenge over his controversial decision to halt work on permanent inspection posts at the north's ports.

The agriculture minister sparked anger last Friday with his surprise announcement, which he said was a response to "practical difficulties" caused by the protocol.

It is understood that legal advice provided to the Stormont executive earlier this week by the attorney general said other ministers should have been consulted beforehand.

Under the ministerial code, matters regarded as cross-cutting or controversial cannot be taken unilaterally.

Mr Lyons has confirmed that his announcement has had no operational impact at the inspection posts and that checks on goods arriving from Britain are continuing.

The legal action against the minister, from a Sinn Féin rank and file member, came to light less than 24 hours after DUP leader Arlene Foster said the only way his move could be reversed was through the courts.

Lawyers representing the unidentified applicant, who has never been an elected representative, issued a pre-action letter as the first step towards seeking a judicial review of the decision taken by Mr Lyons.

They claim the he acted unlawfully by failing to consult his Stormont executive colleagues.

It is also claimed in correspondence that the move will frustrate the protocol and could jeopardise the Good Friday Agreement.

Solicitor Paul Farrell of McIvor Farrell said the issue merited a urgent response from Mr Lyons' departmental solicitors.