There have been calls for Boris Johnson to keep his opinions about the Northern Ireland Protocol to himself, as he has 'never done anything positive' for the place.

The former Prime Minister has urged Rishi Sunak not to abandon legislation he introduced on how Northern Ireland's post-Brexit trade will work in the long-term.

There is speculation that an agreement over Brexit trading arrangements could be announced early next week, as Mr Sunak continues talks with European Leaders.

The North's Alliance Party Leader Naomi Long had a briefing on Friday with the British Prime Minister in Belfast.

She told On The Record that a Brexit agreement would allow Northern Ireland to move on and she has a clear message for Mr Johnson.

"As for Boris Johnson, nothing he has ever done in regards to Northern Ireland has been positive", she said.

"I think the best thing he could do for Northern Ireland at the moment is go for a run and stay out of the political situation here because he has lied to Unionists, undermined confidence and he has betrayed the people that he made promises to."

"He has nothing to offer in this situation and I think he should accept that and graciously move out to the side."

Problem with the Protocol

"I think the reality is we all know what the problem with the Protocol has been", she said.

"We all know what the objections to the Protocol are, but we also recognise, and it was important for us to reiterate to Rishi Sunak when he was here, that for businesses in Northern Ireland and for the vast majority of people in Northern Ireland, dual market access is a bottom line that we are not willing to give up."

"We want to remain within the single market."

People of Northern Ireland

The leader of the House of Commons, Penny Mordaunt, says it's just "Boris being Boris", but that his remarks could be "somewhat helpful".

She also says a deal on the Northern Ireland Protocol is "looking good - but not there yet".

"The intervention by a source close to the previous Prime Minister is helpful to remind the EU of that bill and what this deal actually has to deliver", she said.

"There is still hard work to be done and what matters here, and the Prime Minister is very focused on this, is what the people of Northern Ireland think about this deal."

"This has to be acceptable to all communities."

Listen back to the full conversation here.

Main image shows Boris Johnson. Picture by: Mark Thomas / Alamy