Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris sought to reassure MPs that the measures will not reduce the UK’s ability to diverge from EU rules

Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris argued the agreement was the ‘right one’ for Northern Ireland and for the union.

Those seeking to intimidate the MP for Lagan Valley have been branded ‘cowards and idiots’.

The Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Bill applies to cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and horses