Ireland’s minister for Europe opined that the United Kingdom’s decision could lead “less devoted to democracy” nations to abandon their treaty duties.
Thomas Byrne stated that the action, which he described as “violating international law,” would result in “reputational damage” and potentially encourage other governments to disregard their treaty responsibilities.
Labour has accused the government of hitting the “nuclear button” in regards to the protocol. According to Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin, it constituted a “fundamental breach of trust.”
Brussels has threatened legal action after the UK government unveiled legislation that will supersede the convention governing Northern Ireland’s commercial relations post-Brexit.
The agreement is intended to prevent the restoration of a hard border between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, but it essentially creates a border in the Irish Sea and requires customs checks on British exports.
This, according to the United Kingdom, creates difficulties for businesses and poses a danger to the power-sharing arrangements established following the Good Friday peace deal of 1998, with the DUP refusing to support a new Northern Ireland administration until the issues are handled.
Foreign Secretary Liz Truss stated that the “unintended implications” of the protocol – a pact made by the United Kingdom – necessitated action, as the situation was “gradually deteriorating.”
She stated, “This is why the administration is determined to respond, and we are doing so in a responsible manner.”
Ms. Truss stated on Times Radio, “Our solution does not harm the EU.”
Therefore, there is absolutely no reason for the EU to react negatively to our actions.
Mr. Byrne, however, stated, “It is without a doubt astounding to many people throughout the world that Britain would sign a treaty and then chose not to abide by it.
This is especially true when there has been a steady stream of negotiations and the European Commission has released documents to try to resolve some of the concerns under the treaty.
“However, the notion that you can just abandon your treaty responsibilities is unusual, and not just because Britain has done so.
“I do not doubt that other nations who are not as devoted to democracy and the rule of law as the United Kingdom would reassess their treaty duties after observing Britain’s actions.
Why shouldn’t they if Britain abuses the law in this manner?
Lucy Powell, the shadow cultural minister for Labour, warned of the potential damage to Britain’s relationship with Europe.
She told Sky News, “We don’t want to start a trade war, but we’ve pushed the nuclear button by announcing our intention to withdraw from an agreement we signed only a few months ago.”
That doesn’t put us in a very good light internationally, especially at a time when our country is experiencing a cost of living crisis, supply chain issues, food import issues, and energy import issues.
We do not wish to make the situation worse right now.
The measure will allow authorities to establish a “green lane” allowing trustworthy traders to transport goods from Great Britain to Northern Ireland without inspection, so long as the items remain within the United Kingdom.
Goods provided by companies not enrolled in the trusted trader program, as well as those going for Ireland and the EU, would pass through a red lane and be subject to inspection.
In a legal policy paper published alongside the measure, the government argues that the action is authorized under international law due to the “really exceptional circumstances.”
Vice President of the European Commission Maros Sefcovic stated that the EU viewed the United Kingdom’s conduct with “serious worry” and will evaluate its future steps.
He stated that this will begin with the beginning of legal proceedings against the United Kingdom, which were stopped in September due to the country’s violation of the 2020 departure treaty.
As he ruled out renegotiation of the trade agreement, he stated that the EU would also consider pursuing additional legal actions to defend the integrity of the EU single market, in addition to resuming infringement procedures against the United Kingdom.
