By PA News team.
Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis rejected opposition calls for an extension to the Brexit transition period.
Speaking during Commons Northern Ireland questions, SDLP Foyle MP Colum Eastwood asked: "Given all that is happening right now, is it surely not the time to begin to agree to a transition period extension so that we can finally get a proper agreement around Brexit? Because this isn't possible to do in our view at this time."
Colum Eastwood
Mr Lewis responded: "First of all there is no reason why the (European) Commission should be requiring a permanent presence in Belfast to monitor the implementation of the protocol.
"We are focused on and determined to ensure we fulfil all of our obligations to deliver on the protocol and no, I think the best way we can give certainty and confirmation for business, is to follow through and deliver on our promise to make sure we leave and have everything in place for the end of December this year."
Appeal to European Court being considered after ruling over Troubles disclosures
Executive agrees to set aside £119m for PSNI data breach payouts
Concern voiced as next phase of Omagh Bombing Inquiry hearings delayed
Four fatal house fires in three days in Northern Ireland ‘deeply concerning’
‘Much more to do’ to protect children in NI from sexual exploitation – report