Opinion: “It is the latest step as we take back control”

This week and next Parliament is considering the UK Internal Markets Bill.

It is the latest step as we take back control and become once again a sovereign independent nation.

Predictably Labour find themselves backing the position of EU negotiators rather than this country.

The leader has changed, but their policy on Europe has not.

As we leave the single market and the customs union, powers return to the United Kingdom from the European Union.

This requires new legislation.

There is a real risk that, without action to preserve the status quo, barriers to trade could emerge between different parts of the UK, resulting in unnecessary red tape for our businesses and additional costs for consumers.

The Bill contains a Market Access Commitment to ensure goods and services can be traded seamlessly in all home nations.

Moreover, EU negotiators have made a clear threat to block the transfer of food products from Great Britain to Northern Ireland, if they fail to impose the EU’s preferred terms in a free trade agreement.

This threat is an explicit breach of good faith and not in the spirit of the Withdrawal Agreement.

The Bill therefore includes reserve powers to protect the fabric of the Union in the absence of a trade deal.

I remain optimistic that a Canadian-style free trade agreement can be reached with the EU.

This is in the best interests of both the United Kingdom and the EU and would allow the Northern Ireland protocol in the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement to be implemented as intended.

However, it is right that we prepare for all eventualities.

If EU negotiators opt to collapse the trade talks through unreasonable demands and threats, the European Union will not have been negotiating in good faith.

This was an obligation of the Withdrawal Agreement.

Therefore, I believe that we would be entitled to invoke the reserve powers in the Bill, within the framework of international law.

In this context it is important to recognise the contractual status of international law, as opposed to the binding status of domestic law.

Irrespective of bad faith on the part of the EU, when Parliament passes a Bill and it is given Royal assent by the Queen – it is the law. And this overrides any international treaty provisions.

Labour say it is this country that is breaking its word by preparing for ‘no deal’ and doing what is necessary to ensure there is not border in the Irish sea.

Would they allow the UK to break up just to appease the EU?

The UK has been the most successful union of nations in modern history.

It is precious. No Government would sit idly by while a supranational body threatens its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The Bill is passing through its remaining stages in the House of Commons.

I voted for it to receive its Second Reading.

Although I will listen carefully to other opinions expressed in our debates, I believe it is vital that we act to preserve the integrity of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.