We will see EU in court
No10 pressed on Brexit proposals
THE European Union is launching legal action against the UK over Boris Johnson’s plans to break international law and tear up parts of the Brexit divorce deal.
Commission chief Ursula Von Der Leyen said Downing Steet had failed to listen to earlier protests about the UK’s Internal Market Bill, leaving the bloc no option. In a statement, she said the Commission had sent a “letter of formal notice” to Number 10.
This is the first step of an “infringement” of the controversial Bill, which is making its way through Parliament. The Bill lets the UK make decisions alone on key issues – such as customs arrangements between mainland Britain and Northern Ireland – in the Withdrawal Agreement.
But Brussels is adamant the decisions be made by a joint committee made up of people from both sides – a process set out in the accord signed by the PM in January.
The Government has admitted its proposals will break international law “in a very specific and limited way”.
Ms Von Der Leyen said: “This draft Bill is by its very nature a breach of the obligation of good faith laid down in the Withdrawal Agreement.
“The deadline lapsed yesterday. The problematic provisions have not been removed. The letter invites the UK Government to send its observations within a month.
“We stand by our commitments.” Downing Street said it was acting fairly and will respond “in due course”.
A Government spokesperson said: “We need to create a legal safety net to protect the integrity of the UK’s internal market, ensure Ministers can always deliver on their obligations to Northern Ireland and protect the gains from the peace process.”
The row risks souring UK-EU trade talks after optimism of a deal ahead of the December 31 deadline.
The Bill is a breach of the good faith in the Withdrawal Agreement
URSULA VON DER LEYEN EU COMMISSION CHIEF