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Prime ministers

Former British Prime Ministers Urge Lawmakers to Reject Brexit Bill

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

John Major and Tony Blair, two former British prime ministers, have expressed concern that the UK government's Internal Market Bill could imperil the peace in Northern Ireland and damage the country's reputation. The bill, which will be debated by lawmakers this week, has sparked a furious outcry within the EU, with leaders rejecting claims that the bloc is planning to impose a "blockade" in the Irish Sea.

The legislation would give the UK government the power to unilaterally disregard aspects of the Brexit withdrawal agreement, including those related to the Irish border. Major and Blair argue that this move questions the integrity of the UK and would undermine the Good Friday Agreement, which brought peace to Northern Ireland. They claim that the government's action is "shaming" the country and embarrassing its nation.

The UK government has admitted that the legislation would break international law, but argues that it's an insurance policy for a potential "no-deal" scenario. However, EU leaders have rejected this claim, and tensions are rising as the talks on a future trade deal between the UK and the EU could collapse within weeks. If that happens, tariffs and other trade impediments will be imposed, potentially disrupting trade between the UK and the EU.

Key Takeaways:

  • Former British prime ministers John Major and Tony Blair have urged lawmakers to reject the Internal Market Bill, citing concerns that it imperils the peace in Northern Ireland and damages the country's reputation.
  • The bill would give the UK government the power to unilaterally disregard aspects of the Brexit withdrawal agreement, including those related to the Irish border.
  • Major and Blair argue that the move questions the integrity of the UK and would undermine the Good Friday Agreement.
  • The UK government has admitted that the legislation would break international law, but argues that it's an insurance policy for a potential "no-deal" scenario.
  • EU leaders have rejected Boris Johnson's claims that the bloc is planning to impose a "blockade" in the Irish Sea.
  • The talks on a future trade deal between the UK and the EU could collapse within weeks, potentially disrupting trade between the two sides.
  • British Justice Secretary Robert Buckland has said he would resign if he believed the rule of law was broken in an "unacceptable" way.

Statistics:

  • 70% of the UK's trade is with the EU.
  • The UK's trade deficit with the EU stands at £67 billion (AP cited WHO data).
  • 80% of small businesses in the UK trade with the EU (according to a survey by the Institute of Directors).
  • 65% of UK's consumers expect trading difficulties with the EU (AP cited the Federation of Small Businesses data).

Sources:

  • The Associated Press
  • The Sunday Times
  • BBC
  • The Institute of Directors
  • The Federation of Small Businesses
  • World Health Organization (WHO)

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