The Government’s chief Brexit negotiator Lord Frost has called on Brussels to “shake off any remaining ill will” towards the UK for leaving the bloc as arrangements governing trade to Northern Ireland continue to prove contentious. The European Commission has said it will launch legal action against Whitehall after the UK announced it was extending a series of “grace periods” designed to ease trade between Northern Ireland – which remains in the EU single market for goods – and Great Britain while permanent arrangements are decided. Cabinet Office Minister Lord Frost said on Wednesday that London’s move should allow time for constructive discussions with counterparts in Brussels.