The UK government is poised to introduce legislation that would allow ministers in London to override parts of the Brexit deal on Northern Ireland, a senior government source has said.
Boris Johnson is due to visit Belfast later to encourage the restoration of Northern Ireland's government.
The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) is refusing to enter the assembly because of the Northern Ireland Protocol.
It was designed to ensure free trade continued across the Irish land border.
The recent assembly election on 5 May cemented a majority for those who accept the protocol, including the new largest party, Sinn Féin. But it has been opposed by unionist politicians.
The DUP has argued the protocol has eroded the foundations devolution was built on and undermined Northern Ireland's position in the UK.
Despite signing up to the deal himself, Mr Johnson agrees changes are needed.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-61456677