Northern Ireland minister Conor Burns says the DUP’s withdrawal from the first minister post in Stormont will not “fundamentally alter” the government’s plans.

Giving evidence to the Northern Ireland affairs committee, Burns said the government’s strategy to resolve the issues surrounding the Northern Ireland Protocol will remain undeterred.

Burns said: “The plan is clear and the plan is continuing to be played out.

“Our intentions with the Commission on the Protocol and the withdrawal of the first minister will not fundamentally alter the government’s determination to carry on engaging with the Commission to find resolution.”