DOWNING STREET doubled down on its defence of the contentious Internal Market Bill today after a special envoy of Prime Minister Boris Johnson quit in protest.

The Bill, which had amendments tabled by both sides of the house, had its second reading in the Commons today after the Star went to print. 

Mr Johnson said it is “critical” that the Bill, which would override parts of the EU Withdrawal Agreement (WA) relating to Northern Ireland, is passed.