The EU has offered to cut 80 percent of checks on some goods moving from Great Britain to Northern Ireland in an effort to avoid a post-Brexit trade clash.

It has drawn up plans designed to ease the flow of items across the Irish Sea, including chilled meats, to put an end to the so-called "sausage war".

The plans have been published a day after the UK's Brexit minister Lord Frost demanded a new Northern Ireland Protocol - which is designed to prevent a hard border on the island of Ireland.

Lord Frost's opposite number in the European Commission, Maros Sefcovic, called the proposals "far-reaching" as he published four papers that officials will tonight take to London to begin negotiations immediately.

Under the plans, the transport of certain foods and items of animal origin will be vastly simplified.

Mr. Sefcovic said in practical terms it would mean a lorry carrying a mixture of dairy, fish and confectionary would only require one certificate instead of multiple certificates for each item.

The number of physical checks on lorries will be drastically reduced and customs paperwork will be cut by 50 percent.

The UK has argued the protocol is not working, with delays and interruptions to supplies moving between the UK and Northern Ireland.

But the EU is hoping what it has called a "dramatic simplification" of the rules will bring Westminster on side, allowing for "a type of express lane that will facilitate the movement of goods".

(With input from agencies)