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The eighth round of negotiations on a trade deal between the EU and Britain has only just begun when London sounds the alarm with a controversial bill. This is a point of contention that has really been resolved.
Despite harsh criticism from the EU, Prime Minister Boris Johnson presented the controversial internal market law to parliament today. The act aims to support the UK economy and secure jobs. At the same time, however, it annuls the exit agreement between Britain and the EU that has already been negotiated.
The point of contention is once again the border between Ireland, which is a member of the EU, and the British province of Northern Ireland. The planned Single Market Act states that Northern Ireland must maintain ‘unrestricted access’ to the UK market even after the Brexit transition period has expired. This would mean a tough customs border between Northern Ireland and Ireland. The Brexit agreement between the EU and Great Britain stipulates that such a limit must be avoided in any case. Instead, the customs border should be in the Irish Sea, between Northern Ireland and England, Wales and Scotland. Otherwise, as far as fear, the Northern Ireland conflict could flare up again.
Strong criticism from the EU
The British move is alarming the EU. Commission chair Ursula von der Leyen tweeted that “that would violate international law and undermine trust.” Compliance with existing contracts is the foundation of future relations with the UK. Its vice president, Marcos Sefcovic, announced an emergency meeting of the committee that monitors the implementation of the exit.
The British government was not impressed by the criticism from the EU. Northern Ireland Minister Brandon Lewis admitted that they are aware that parts of the proposed law violate international law. The bill has yet to be approved by both Houses of the UK Parliament before it goes into effect in late autumn.
Negotiations on trade agreements stall
The dispute also weighs on the ongoing negotiations on a trade agreement that will come into effect when the Brexit transition phase expires in 2021. More recently, talks with the EU had a problem with fishing rights, as was the case with the question of the extent to which Great Britain is allowed to subsidize national companies.
Johnson recently announced that Britain will hold constructive negotiations with the EU. However, if no agreement is reached, after the transition period is over, he is ready to establish relations with the EU along the lines of Australia.
There is no complete trade agreement between Australia and the EU. Its trade is conducted largely in accordance with the rules of the World Trade Organization (WTO).
