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EU Takes Legal Action Against UK Over Planned Brexit Bill

EU Takes Legal Action Against UK Over Planned Brexit Bill
folder_openEurope... access_time3 years ago
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By Staff, Agencies

The European Union [EU] took legal action against Britain Thursday over its plans to pass legislation that would breach parts of the legally binding divorce agreement the two sides reached late last year.

The EU action underscored the worsening relations with Britain, which was a member of the bloc until January 31. Both sides are trying to forge a rudimentary free trade agreement before the end of the year, but the fight over the controversial UK Internal Market bill has soured relations this month.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that the British plan "by its very nature is a breach of the obligation of good faith laid down in the Withdrawal Agreement."

"If adopted as is, it will be in full contradiction to the protocol of Ireland-Northern Ireland" in the withdrawal agreement," she said.

EU leaders fear that if the UK bill becomes law, it could lead to the reimposition of a hard land border between Northern Ireland, which is part of Britain, and EU member Ireland, and erode the stability that has underpinned peace since the 1998 Good Friday accord.

The EU had given London until Wednesday to withdraw the bill, but UK lawmakers voted 340-256 Tuesday to push the legislation past its last major hurdle in the House of Commons.

Von der Leyen said "the deadline lapsed yesterday. The problematic provisions haven't been removed. Therefore, this morning, the commission has decided to send a letter of formal notice to the UK government," which augurs the start of a protracted legal battle.

"The commission will continue to work hard towards a full and timely implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement," she said. "We stand by our commitment."

The bill must also be approved by the UK's House of Lords, where it is sure to meet strong opposition because it breaches international law.

The British government stood its ground in an immediate reaction, saying "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."

If the Internal Market Bill becomes law, it will give Britain the power to disregard part of the Brexit withdrawal treaty dealing with trade to and from Northern Ireland, which shares a 500-kilometer border with the Republic of Ireland.

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