Prime Minister Johnson has definitively passed the controversial law that tinkers with the Brexit agreements between Brussels and London through the House of Commons. Today was the last vote and it resulted in a comfortable 340-256 victory for the votes in favor.
The law still has to pass through the House of Lords, but a date for this is not yet known. If the law is passed there too, it will give Johnson the opportunity to disregard parts of the Brexit agreements, especially when it comes to the border between Ireland (member of the European Union) and Northern Ireland (part of the United Kingdom). Kingdom).
The European Commission points out that British law violates international law. London speaks of “a limited violation”.
Drifts
Johnson is particularly concerned that Northern Ireland is ‘drifting’ from the rest of the United Kingdom under current agreements, because it must continue to adhere to EU rules to keep the border between Ireland and Northern Ireland open. According to Johnson, the bill ensures the unity of the United Kingdom’s internal market.
The controversial law has further worsened relations between Brussels. Europe had demanded that Johnson withdraw the law by the end of this month or measures would follow. Now it appears that Johnson does not care about that threat.
Cool atmosphere
In this chilly atmosphere, the officially last round of negotiations between Brussels and London on a post-Brexit trade deal began today. These negotiations are due to be completed on Friday, but are expected to continue until the EU summit in mid-October.
The British want free trade with EU countries after January 1, without British companies having to adhere to the same rules as European companies. The European Union calls this unacceptable: anyone who trades with us must obey the rules.
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