FORMER Cabinet Secretary Andrew Mitchell has said Britain risks a trade war with the EU if it “brutally breaks a solemn international treaty” via the Northern Ireland Protocol Act.
Mr Mitchell expressed concern that the UK could “pollute” its international reputation by passing legislation designed to address issues related to trade between Britain and Northern Ireland.
Foreign Secretary Liz Truss tried to downplay his fears by stating that the bill has “strong legal justification” and the UK remains committed to a negotiated solution.
Ms Truss said the UK continues to raise issues with the EU.
She told the Commons: “We just cannot let this situation shift. Northern Ireland has been without a returned government since February, specifically because of the protocol, at a time of major global economic challenges.
“Therefore, it is the duty of this government to act now to enable a plan for a restored local government. It is both legal and necessary.”
Mr Mitchell, who intervened, said he has “an enormous amount of sympathy” with what Mrs Truss said.
He added: “It seems to me that the EU is not particularly constructive in trying to get the solution we all want to see achieved.
“But may I tell her that many of us are deeply concerned about the treaty that the bill will blatantly break a solemn international, destroy our international reputation, threaten a trade war at a time when our economy is flat and it puts us at odds with our main ally.
“Is there anything she can say to reassure me on these points?”
Ms Truss replied: “We prefer a negotiated solution and we have been looking for a negotiated solution for 18 months, but last weekend the EU refused to change the text of the protocol.
“Therefore, there is strong legal justification, as set out in our legal statement, for taking this action as our priority as a UK government must be political stability in our own country.
“And as we send this bill through Parliament, we will continue to look for a negotiated solution with the EU – and in fact there are provisions in the bill to make it a reality.”