UK could be heading to the back of trade queue

TOUTED by Boris Johnson to be one of the greatest benefits of Brexit, he described a trade deal with the US as “enormous,” “massive,” as well as “fantastic”.

As he spoke of how being freed from the shackles of the EU would help boost the UK economy, the Prime Minister would often morph into Donald Trump with the language he used.

What few expected was that he would also morph into the US leader with his readiness to break international law to achieve what he wanted.

But after it was revealed the Government is pushing forward with its new Internal Market Bill, which will allow ministers to override its treaty agreement with the EU over Northern Ireland, Johnson’s hopes of a speedy deal with the US now lie at the bottom of the Atlantic.

By unilaterally waiving customs documents on goods travelling from Northern Ireland to the

British mainland and tariffs on exports travelling the other way, the Government would be in breach of the already agreed EU divorce deal.

If voted into law by Parliament, the move would effectively overwrite elements of the Brexit deal Johnson signed, undermining the “Northern Ireland protocol”, which exists to eliminate the need for a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland under the 1998 Good

Friday Agreement.

Downing Street has argued the legislation is a necessary step towards protecting the peace process but America, which was heavily involved in the agreement, has been left fearful it will destabilise Northern Ireland.

The problem for Trump and Johnson is that despite how the US leader thinks he can act, those in Congress have the power to block any agreement.

Now, after learning of the Government’s intentions to break international law, top US Democrat Nancy Pelosi has warned there is “absolutely no chance” of a US-UK trade deal passing through Congress if the Good Friday Agreement is undermined.

“Whatever form it takes, Brexit cannot be allowed to imperil the Good Friday Agreement, including the stability brought by the invisible and frictionless border between the Irish Republic and Northern Ireland,” said Pelosi. “The Good Friday Agreement is treasured by the American people and will be proudly defended in the United States Congress.”

The November election could only exasperate the Prime Minister’s woes if Joe Biden defeats

Trump. Overnight America will go from having a staunch Brexit supporter in the White House to one whose dislike of the divorce is well known.

The move has piled further pressure on Johnson as he battles senior figures from his party – and officials in Brussels – that the threat to London’s highly-prized trade deal with Washington is in jeopardy.

By deliberately breaking international law, not only is Johnson recklessly damaging UK national interest but it could also lead to Britain fast running out of friends.

There is still time for the deadlock to be broken, and it would be best for Britain, America and the EU if Johnson were to use the time to reach a deal that would adhere to international law, minimise the disruption but, above all else, put the people on both sides of the Irish border first.

Trade agreements have traditionally served to bring groups of countries together as a means of fostering prosperity and peace, yet now both are at risk.

Endangering peace in Ireland is Johnson telling the world his words and commitments are worthless and that he would rather play fast and loose with lives and jobs.

Britain desperately needs an agreement with Europe, but as it stands Johnson might not only fail to secure one but also leave the UK at the back of the queue in terms of deals to be had with America. While the nation’s divorce from the EU was the will of the people, America may see Donald Trump divorced from the White House come November’s election, leaving Johnson’s position far weaker.

Pelosi does right in saying nothing will be passed at the risk of people’s peace.

It begs the question: if Johnson doesn’t have an agreement with

America nor the EU, just who is he going to trade with?

SALES of Yorkshire Tea in America have soared as the country turns to a “proper brew” to help them cope with Covid and the upcoming US election.

The British brand has trumped all others, seeing a 926% increase with UK biscuits also experiencing a massive surge.

The rise is thought to be due to the 700,000 Brits currently living in the States, many of whom have been unable to visit back home due to the Covid lockdown.

The pandemic has seen not only Yorkshire Tea’s red label soar but Yorkshire Gold, PG Tips and Tetley have seen huge rises in sales followed by plain digestives and ginger nuts. The top British biscuit has been McVities Milk Chocolate Digestives with a 332% increase over the past several months. Online supermarket British Corner Shop is reporting the record sales over the past six months as expats and American nationals stock up on tea and biccies to see them through the “turbulent election”. For me, there is only one cup above Yorkshire America needs right now – honest-tea.

It could lead to Britain fast running out of friends