UK sets up EU showdown with plan to change Northern Ireland trade rules

France 24 ^

[FarCenter]

The UK government on Monday introduced legislation to rip up post-Brexit trading rules for Northern Ireland, despite the possibility that could spark a trade war with the EU.

London says it still prefers a negotiated outcome with the European Union to reform the Northern Ireland Protocol.

But with talks stalled, the bill proposes overriding the EU withdrawal treaty that the UK signed, although the government in London insists it is not breaking international law.

The EU quickly threatened legal action in response while Dublin called it "a particular low point in the UK's approach to Brexit".

That could not come at a worse time for the UK, which is grappling with inflation at 40-year highs and rising household bills that have left many Britons struggling to make ends meet.

But London claims the bill will address "burdensome customs processes, inflexible regulation, tax and spend discrepancies and democratic governance issues" that are "undermining" peace in Northern Ireland and have paralysed its power-sharing government.

"The EU must be willing to change the protocol itself. Ministers believe that the serious situation in Northern Ireland means they cannot afford to delay," it added.

[PGR88]

If they really wanted to screw with the EU (and help the Northern Ireland economy) they should make Northern Ireland a free trade zone - any goods coming in from anywhere in the world are duty free.

[dodger]

Northern Ireland Free Trade Zone … could replace the old Hong Kong.

[mewzilla]

Update...

Tony Blair quietly helping Liz Truss on Brexit as he holds secret meetings with US and EU The former Prime Minister has been drafted in by the Government to help break the deadlock over the Northern Ireland Protocol.

Helping to complete Brexit?

Or scupper it...?

My money's on the latter.