Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard has said the British government need to listen to the EU and the wider international committee and abandon plans to break international law to implement the protections contained in the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement and International Protocol. 

The South Down MP said: 

“Today’s announcement by the President of the European Commission Ursula Van der Leyen that the EU will take legal action against the British government over its intention to breach international law is welcome. 

“The EU is clear and unequivocal that the British government’s Internal Market Bill is in breach of international law. 

“The EU needs to protect Ireland from this attack on the peace process from the British government. 

“This latest intervention from the EU comes on the back of leading political figures in the US reiterating that Congress will not back a trade deal with Britain if the Good Friday Agreement is undermined.  

“The British government must not be allowed to break international law, renege on commitments made and trample all over the Good Friday Agreement.  

“It now needs to listen to the EU and the wider international community, abandon its rogue state plans and implement what it has already agreed.”