UK faces legal action on new Brexit tactics

EUROPE has begun legal proceedings against the UK after the government refused to withdraw plans to override key elements of the Brexit divorce deal.

President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen said a ‘letter of formal notice’ would be sent after Britain’s ministers rejected a demand to withdraw the provisions from the UK Internal Market Bill by Wednesday.

She said the move marked the first step in an ‘infringement procedure’ with the government now invited to send its observations within the month.

‘This draft bill is by its very nature a breach of the obligation of good faith laid down in the withdrawal agreement,’ she said.

‘The deadline lapsed yesterday, the problematic provisions have not been removed, therefore the commission has decided this morning to send a letter of formal notice to the UK government.’

Ms von der Leyen (pictured) gave no indication as to what action could follow if the commission did not receive a satisfactory response. A Whitehall spokesman said a response to the letter would be issued ‘in due course’.

The government has argued the bill, which gives ministers the power to override provisions in the Brexit deal relating to Northern Ireland, is necessary to protect the peace process if a free trade agreement cannot be struck. Despite the legal action, Downing Street said trade talks with the EU were being carried out in a ‘constructive spirit’.

The final formal round of talks between chief negotiators Lord Frost and Michel Barnier will conclude today.