skynewspolitics--2020-09-06--Extinction Rebellion 'could be reclassified as organised crime group' - but Abbott likens them to su

Extinction Rebellion 'could be reclassified as organised crime group' - but Abbott likens them to suffragettes

Extinction Rebellion is being considered for reclassification as an organised crime group following a protest that prevented many national UK newspapers from reaching the stands , according to a report .
Ministers are said to be considering protections for `` tenets of democracy '' , such as courts and the press , after demonstrations prevented the distribution of millions of newspapers on Saturday .
The environmental campaign group targeted Newsprinters printing works at Broxbourne , Hertfordshire , and Knowsley , near Liverpool , leaving newsagents ' stands empty across the country .
Citing government sources , the Press Association ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Priti Patel wants to take a `` fresh look '' at how Extinction Rebellion ( XR ) is classified under law following the protest .
Appearing on Sky News ' Sophy Ridge On Sunday , Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab would not confirm the PA report , but said `` we always keep all of our laws under review '' and wants `` to ensure that kind of behaviour is not repeated '' .
Earlier in the programme , Labour MP Diane Abbott defended XR and compared the group to the suffragettes , saying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reclassify them as an organised crime group as they are `` not criminal , they are protesters and activists '' - comments Mr Raab said he was `` astounded '' by .
He described the idea of blocking newspapers from being distributed `` perverse '' , adding that it was `` damaging to the cause of climate change '' .
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey , a former energy and climate change secretary , told the programme that XR 's actions were undermining the group 's message - saying protesters were `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ More than 100 XR demonstrators used vehicles and bamboo lock-ons to block roads outside the Newsprinters works overnight on Friday , with both protests continuing until Saturday afternoon .
Some 80 people were arrested across the two sites , Merseyside and Hertfordshire Police said .
The depots print the Rupert Murdoch-owned News Corp 's titles including The Sun , The Times , The Sun On Sunday and The Sunday Times , as well as The Daily Telegraph and Sunday Telegraph , the Daily Mail and Mail On Sunday .
According to PA 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down on XR 's activities , which have included bringing cities across the UK to a standstill by forming human barriers along major roads , and by disrupting public transport .
Under additional proposals , parliament , courts and the press could be given special status in regard to the key role they play in democracy , with the potential for police to be given increased powers to stop protesters entering designated areas outside such premises .
`` It would be illegal to stop MPs going to vote or judges getting to court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ press , '' a government source told PA. XR apologised to newsagents for the disruption on Saturday but said it would not say sorry to Mr Murdoch , calling on him to `` stop suppressing the truth about the climate crisis and profiting from the division your papers create '' .
Responding to criticism from Ms Patel that their actions were an `` attack on our free press '' , XR said : `` Our free press , society and democracy is under attack - from a failing government that lies to us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and is leading us towards four degrees of warming . ''
A further XR protest took place in Motherwell , aimed at disrupting the distribution of Saturday 's Scottish Sun newspaper , but no arrests were made .
There was also a large police presence in central London on Saturday as the group staged further demonstrations .

Extinction Rebellion is being considered for reclassification as an organised crime group following a protest that prevented many national UK newspapers from reaching the stands, according to a report.
Ministers are said to be considering protections for "tenets of democracy", such as courts and the press, after demonstrations prevented the distribution of millions of newspapers on Saturday.
The environmental campaign group targeted Newsprinters printing works at Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, and Knowsley, near Liverpool, leaving newsagents' stands empty across the country.
Image: The demonstrations prevented the distribution of millions of papers. Pic: XR
Image: Protesters used bamboo lock-ons to block the road outside the Broxbourne depot
Citing government sources, the Press Association (PA) news agency says Home Secretary Priti Patel wants to take a "fresh look" at how Extinction Rebellion (XR) is classified under law following the protest.
Appearing on Sky News' Sophy Ridge On Sunday, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab would not confirm the PA report, but said "we always keep all of our laws under review" and wants "to ensure that kind of behaviour is not repeated".
Earlier in the programme, Labour MP Diane Abbott defended XR and compared the group to the suffragettes, saying it would be "ridiculous" to reclassify them as an organised crime group as they are "not criminal, they are protesters and activists" - comments Mr Raab said he was "astounded" by.
He described the idea of blocking newspapers from being distributed "perverse", adding that it was "damaging to the cause of climate change".
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Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey, a former energy and climate change secretary, told the programme that XR's actions were undermining the group's message - saying protesters were "shooting themselves in the foot".
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Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer also said in a statement: "The free press is the cornerstone of democracy and we must do all we can to protect it. Denying people the chance to read what they choose is wrong and does nothing to tackle climate change."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 53:01 Sophy Ridge on Sunday
More than 100 XR demonstrators used vehicles and bamboo lock-ons to block roads outside the Newsprinters works overnight on Friday, with both protests continuing until Saturday afternoon.
Some 80 people were arrested across the two sites, Merseyside and Hertfordshire Police said.
On Sunday, Hertfordshire Police said 51 people have now been charged with obstruction of the highway.
Two people have been remanded in custody to appear in court on Monday, while 49 were released on conditional bail, police added.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:44 Abbott likens XR protests to suffragettes
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:35 XR are 'shooting themselves in the foot'
The depots print the Rupert Murdoch-owned News Corp's titles including The Sun, The Times, The Sun On Sunday and The Sunday Times, as well as The Daily Telegraph and Sunday Telegraph, the Daily Mail and Mail On Sunday.
According to PA's government sources, ministers want to clamp down on XR's activities, which have included bringing cities across the UK to a standstill by forming human barriers along major roads, and by disrupting public transport.
Under additional proposals, parliament, courts and the press could be given special status in regard to the key role they play in democracy, with the potential for police to be given increased powers to stop protesters entering designated areas outside such premises.
"It would be illegal to stop MPs going to vote or judges getting to court and it would also protect a free press," a government source told PA.
Image: XR climate activists also took part in demonstrations in London on Saturday
XR apologised to newsagents for the disruption on Saturday but said it would not say sorry to Mr Murdoch, calling on him to "stop suppressing the truth about the climate crisis and profiting from the division your papers create".
Responding to criticism from Ms Patel that their actions were an "attack on our free press", XR said: "Our free press, society and democracy is under attack - from a failing government that lies to us consistently, is becoming increasingly authoritarian, and is leading us towards four degrees of warming."
A further XR protest took place in Motherwell, aimed at disrupting the distribution of Saturday's Scottish Sun newspaper, but no arrests were made.
There was also a large police presence in central London on Saturday as the group staged further demonstrations.


skynewspolitics--2020-09-06--Marcus Rashford hits back at Tory MP over food poverty comments

Footballer Marcus Rashford has urged a Conservative MP to `` talk to families '' experiencing food poverty after comments made on social media .
The Manchester United player , who led a successful campaign to force the government to U-turn and extend free school meals to children from low-income families over the summer holidays , intervened again on the issue .
He sent a message to Kevin Hollinrake , the MP for Thirsk and Malton , on Sunday .
Mr Hollinrake had praised the `` extraordinary success '' of the `` Eat Out to Help Out '' scheme , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a bid to boost restaurants ' recovery after the coronavirus lockdown .
A Twitter user , Bryan Bryant , replied to him saying it had been `` warmly welcomed by the hospitality industry '' .
But he added : `` Whilst we 're discussing food , why does it take footballer Marcus Rashford to make a stand for the hungry children in our society ?
Is that not the governments job ? ''
Mr Hollinrake responded that `` where they can , it 's a parents job to feed their children '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ caught the attention of Rashford himself .
He sent a message to Mr Hollinrake saying : `` I would urge you to talk to families before tweeting .
`` To this day I have n't met one parent who has n't wanted or felt the responsibility to feed their children . ''
She said : `` Wow such ignorance !
`` Can you imagine not being able to to feed your child or having to make those sorts of choices for your family .
`` Marcus Rashford you are doing such great things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talked previously about having using a food voucher scheme as a child and earlier this week announced an alliance with the food industry to tackle child food poverty .
It is not the first time Rashford has sparred with a Tory MP .
Work and Pensions Secretary Therese Coffey ignited a row with Rashford in June when she took issue with him asking people to `` think about parents who have had their water turned off during lockdown '' .

Footballer Marcus Rashford has urged a Conservative MP to "talk to families" experiencing food poverty after comments made on social media.
The Manchester United player, who led a successful campaign to force the government to U-turn and extend free school meals to children from low-income families over the summer holidays, intervened again on the issue.
He sent a message to Kevin Hollinrake, the MP for Thirsk and Malton, on Sunday.
Image: Marcus Rashford lobbied for free school meals to be extended
Mr Hollinrake had praised the "extraordinary success" of the "Eat Out to Help Out" scheme, which saw diners save money on meals in a bid to boost restaurants' recovery after the coronavirus lockdown.
A Twitter user, Bryan Bryant, replied to him saying it had been "warmly welcomed by the hospitality industry".
But he added: "Whilst we're discussing food, why does it take footballer Marcus Rashford to make a stand for the hungry children in our society? Is that not the governments job?"
Mr Hollinrake responded that "where they can, it's a parents job to feed their children".
Within a few hours, the post caught the attention of Rashford himself.
He sent a message to Mr Hollinrake saying: "I would urge you to talk to families before tweeting.
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"To this day I haven't met one parent who hasn't wanted or felt the responsibility to feed their children."
Mr Hollinrake replied: "Very happy to debate this with you in any open forum."
Image: Rashford said he relied on a food voucher scheme as a child
Candice Brown, 2016's Great British Bake Off winner, sent a supportive message to Rashford.
She said: "Wow such ignorance!
"Can you imagine not being able to to feed your child or having to make those sorts of choices for your family.
"Marcus Rashford you are doing such great things."
The 22-year-old England striker has talked previously about having using a food voucher scheme as a child and earlier this week announced an alliance with the food industry to tackle child food poverty.
It is not the first time Rashford has sparred with a Tory MP.
Work and Pensions Secretary Therese Coffey ignited a row with Rashford in June when she took issue with him asking people to "think about parents who have had their water turned off during lockdown".


skynewspolitics--2020-09-06--Diane Abbott: Why I turned down Strictly invite

Diane Abbott has revealed she turned down an invite to appear on Strictly Come Dancing because she does not have `` natural rhythm '' .
The Hackney MP - who was shadow home secretary under Jeremy Corbyn until he stood down as Labour leader earlier this year - said she `` could n't possibly '' have done the show .
Each year , Strictly partners up celebrities with expert dancers to perform set-piece routines - with contestants picked from many different fields such as politics , sport , acting , presenting and comedy .
This year , former Labour home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set to grace screens from October , which also includes stand-up star Bill Bailey and British boxing hero Nicola Adams .
Ms Abbott was asked when she spoke to Sophy Ridge On Sunday if she had ever been offered to take part in the popular BBC series , which returns with a coronavirus-enforced shorter series next month .
`` They have , and I turned them down , '' she revealed .
`` I could n't possibly do it .
I think Jacqui 's very brave . ''
Asked why she felt she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Abbott joked : `` Because you 'll be surprised to know I 'm not someone with natural rhythm and I did n't want it exposed to millions of television viewers . ''
Ms Abbott also used her appearance on the programme to defend Extinction Rebellion 's right to protest , following reports the government was considering classifying it as a criminal group .
She said the reported proposal was `` ridiculous '' because `` they are protesters '' , likening their `` direct action '' methods to those used by the suffragettes .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ change campaign group blocked the delivery of newspapers outside several printworks over the weekend .
Jacqui Smith will not be the only veteran Labour politician to have gone on Strictly .
Former shadow chancellor Ed Balls also appeared on the show - memorable for his performance of Gangnam Style .

Diane Abbott has revealed she turned down an invite to appear on Strictly Come Dancing because she does not have "natural rhythm".
The Hackney MP - who was shadow home secretary under Jeremy Corbyn until he stood down as Labour leader earlier this year - said she "couldn't possibly" have done the show.
Each year, Strictly partners up celebrities with expert dancers to perform set-piece routines - with contestants picked from many different fields such as politics, sport, acting, presenting and comedy.
Image: Ed Balls, the former shadow chancellor, competed on the show
This year, former Labour home secretary Jacqui Smith is among the line-up set to grace screens from October, which also includes stand-up star Bill Bailey and British boxing hero Nicola Adams.
Ms Abbott was asked when she spoke to Sophy Ridge On Sunday if she had ever been offered to take part in the popular BBC series, which returns with a coronavirus-enforced shorter series next month.
"They have, and I turned them down," she revealed.
"I couldn't possibly do it. I think Jacqui's very brave."
Asked why she felt she could not do the show, Ms Abbott joked: "Because you'll be surprised to know I'm not someone with natural rhythm and I didn't want it exposed to millions of television viewers."
Image: Jacqui Smith will be on the programme, which starts in September
Ms Abbott also used her appearance on the programme to defend Extinction Rebellion's right to protest, following reports the government was considering classifying it as a criminal group.
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She said the reported proposal was "ridiculous" because "they are protesters", likening their "direct action" methods to those used by the suffragettes.
It comes after members of the climate change campaign group blocked the delivery of newspapers outside several printworks over the weekend.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:44 'Direct action has been legal since the suffragettes'
Jacqui Smith will not be the only veteran Labour politician to have gone on Strictly.
Former shadow chancellor Ed Balls also appeared on the show - memorable for his performance of Gangnam Style.


skynewspolitics--2020-09-07--Minister dismisses 'treacherous betrayal' claims over reported Brexit agreement changes

Political figures have described the government 's reported plan to rip up the Brexit withdrawal agreement as a `` treacherous betrayal '' enacted by `` charlatans '' .
Boris Johnson is planning new legislation that would override key parts of the agreement - the treaty that sealed Britain 's exit from the EU in January - in a move that could risk collapsing trade talks , the Financial Times ( FT ) has reported .
Michel Barnier , Brussels ' chief Brexit negotiator , responded cautiously saying the UK wants `` the best of two worlds '' .
The prime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday that ending the trade talks , should there be no agreement by a meeting of EU leaders on 15 October , would still be a `` good outcome for the UK '' .
Environment Secretary George Eustice has also defended the government 's actions since the FT report emerged - telling Sky News : `` We 're not moving the goalposts . ''
The pre-briefed words from Mr Johnson arrived as the FT reported sections of the Internal Market Bill , due to be published on Wednesday , are expected to `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Withdrawal Agreement in areas including state aid and Northern Ireland customs .
As part of the terms of the Northern Ireland Protocol , the region is expected to continue to follow some EU rules after the transition period ends in 2021 to ensure there is no hard border .
Northern Ireland deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill tweeted that any threat of backtracking on the protocol would be a `` treacherous betrayal which would inflict irreversible harm on the all-Ireland economy and the Good Friday Agreement '' .
: : Subscribe to Sophy Ridge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Ms O'Neill stressed the need for the protocol to be fully implemented as soon as possible and to `` avoid any border in Ireland '' .
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the move would constitute a repudiation by the government of a treaty `` freely negotiated by it '' and which was described as `` oven ready '' by Mr Johnson .
She tweeted this would `` significantly increase '' the likelihood of a no-deal Brexit , and the `` resulting damage to the economy will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Responding directly to the Scottish first minister , Mr Eustice told the Kay Burley show on Monday morning : `` Nicola Sturgeon is reacting in a way you might expect . ''
He also said there are `` a few legal ambiguities '' remaining in implementing the protocol that need to be `` tied up '' .
There will be `` some checks on some goods '' arriving in Northern Ireland from Great Britain meaning `` some customs processes , but not customs checks , '' he added .
Mr Barnier has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commitments , saying : `` We demand quite simply , and calmly , and until the end , that the political commitments in the text agreed by Boris Johnson be legally translated into this treaty . ''
SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said the government would be undermining the Good Friday Agreement , risking the future of the UK , and destroying its own credibility on the world stage if it proceeded with one of the most `` reckless '' acts concerning Ireland by a British government `` in a long long time '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's Westminster Hour : `` It 's absolutely astonishing that any government who says they want to go and do trade deals around the world would just rip up an agreement that they made a few months ago with the European Union .
`` And what they would be doing in that would be undermining the Good Friday Agreement , which is an agreement voted for by the vast majority of people on the island of Ireland , they 'd be risking a hard border in our country and they 'd be threatening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ built up over decades .
`` It would be the most reckless act that a British government , and they 've made many reckless acts in Ireland ... in a long , long time and if they do this their international credibility I think would be shot to pieces . ''
Mr Eastwood said he hoped the reported manoeuvrings by the government were `` just posturing , because if they try to do this at the same time as trying to convince people in Scotland and Northern Ireland about the future of their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forget about that as well , because people here will see this as a tremendous act of bad faith '' .
Labour 's shadow foreign secretary Lisa Nandy wrote on Twitter : `` This undermines our moral authority at a key moment .
`` The Government has rightly criticised China and Russia for undermining the rules based order .
This briefing sends a clear signal the UK no longer keeps its promises and diminishes us on the world stage . ''
Irish foreign minister Simon Coveney said the reported development would be `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Shadow Northern Ireland secretary Louise Haigh said : `` It beggars belief that the government is - yet again - playing a dangerous game in Northern Ireland and sacrificing our international standing at the altar of the prime minister 's incompetence . ''
The suggested move , along with Mr Johnson 's comments about no-deal , is likely to pile the pressure on as negotiators prepare to meet on Tuesday for another round of crunch talks in London .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock poured scorn on concerns raised by a worker from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their delivery could be hampered by no trade deal being struck .
He told the LBC caller `` we 'd obviously prefer '' an agreement to be reached but insisted `` I 'm comfortable that we 've got in place the plans that we need '' to protect the health of the nation if there is no deal .

Political figures have described the government's reported plan to rip up the Brexit withdrawal agreement as a "treacherous betrayal" enacted by "charlatans".
Boris Johnson is planning new legislation that would override key parts of the agreement - the treaty that sealed Britain's exit from the EU in January - in a move that could risk collapsing trade talks, the Financial Times (FT) has reported.
Michel Barnier, Brussels' chief Brexit negotiator, responded cautiously saying the UK wants "the best of two worlds".
The prime minister is also expected to say on Monday that ending the trade talks, should there be no agreement by a meeting of EU leaders on 15 October, would still be a "good outcome for the UK".
Environment Secretary George Eustice has also defended the government's actions since the FT report emerged - telling Sky News: "We're not moving the goalposts."
Image: First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Northern Ireland deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill (below) have criticised the reported plans
The pre-briefed words from Mr Johnson arrived as the FT reported sections of the Internal Market Bill, due to be published on Wednesday, are expected to "eliminate" the legal force of the Withdrawal Agreement in areas including state aid and Northern Ireland customs.
As part of the terms of the Northern Ireland Protocol, the region is expected to continue to follow some EU rules after the transition period ends in 2021 to ensure there is no hard border.
Northern Ireland deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill tweeted that any threat of backtracking on the protocol would be a "treacherous betrayal which would inflict irreversible harm on the all-Ireland economy and the Good Friday Agreement".
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Ms O'Neill stressed the need for the protocol to be fully implemented as soon as possible and to "avoid any border in Ireland".
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the move would constitute a repudiation by the government of a treaty "freely negotiated by it" and which was described as "oven ready" by Mr Johnson.
She tweeted this would "significantly increase" the likelihood of a no-deal Brexit, and the "resulting damage to the economy will be entirely Tory inflicted. What charlatans".
Responding directly to the Scottish first minister, Mr Eustice told the Kay Burley show on Monday morning: "Nicola Sturgeon is reacting in a way you might expect."
He also said there are "a few legal ambiguities" remaining in implementing the protocol that need to be "tied up".
There will be "some checks on some goods" arriving in Northern Ireland from Great Britain meaning "some customs processes, but not customs checks," he added.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:41 Moment MPs approve Withdrawal Agreement
Mr Barnier has urged the UK to keep to its commitments, saying: "We demand quite simply, and calmly, and until the end, that the political commitments in the text agreed by Boris Johnson be legally translated into this treaty."
SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said the government would be undermining the Good Friday Agreement, risking the future of the UK, and destroying its own credibility on the world stage if it proceeded with one of the most "reckless" acts concerning Ireland by a British government "in a long long time".
Mr Eastwood told BBC Radio 4's Westminster Hour: "It's absolutely astonishing that any government who says they want to go and do trade deals around the world would just rip up an agreement that they made a few months ago with the European Union.
"And what they would be doing in that would be undermining the Good Friday Agreement, which is an agreement voted for by the vast majority of people on the island of Ireland, they'd be risking a hard border in our country and they'd be threatening the peace and security that we've built up over decades.
"It would be the most reckless act that a British government, and they've made many reckless acts in Ireland ... in a long, long time and if they do this their international credibility I think would be shot to pieces."
Mr Eastwood said he hoped the reported manoeuvrings by the government were "just posturing, because if they try to do this at the same time as trying to convince people in Scotland and Northern Ireland about the future of their Union, well they may as well forget about that as well, because people here will see this as a tremendous act of bad faith".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:57 'Moment of reckoning' for Brexit talks
Labour's shadow foreign secretary Lisa Nandy wrote on Twitter: "This undermines our moral authority at a key moment.
"The Government has rightly criticised China and Russia for undermining the rules based order. This briefing sends a clear signal the UK no longer keeps its promises and diminishes us on the world stage."
Irish foreign minister Simon Coveney said the reported development would be "a very unwise way to proceed".
Shadow Northern Ireland secretary Louise Haigh said: "It beggars belief that the government is - yet again - playing a dangerous game in Northern Ireland and sacrificing our international standing at the altar of the prime minister's incompetence."
The suggested move, along with Mr Johnson's comments about no-deal, is likely to pile the pressure on as negotiators prepare to meet on Tuesday for another round of crunch talks in London.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock poured scorn on concerns raised by a worker from a company which supplies medical devices that their delivery could be hampered by no trade deal being struck.
He told the LBC caller "we'd obviously prefer" an agreement to be reached but insisted "I'm comfortable that we've got in place the plans that we need" to protect the health of the nation if there is no deal.


skynewspolitics--2020-09-07--Dynamite or brinkmanship? What changing the Withdrawal Agreement could mean

Boris Johnson is reportedly planning new legislation that would override key parts of last year 's EU withdrawal agreement .
In the face of mounting criticism from senior political figures , the government 's actions have been defended by Environment Secretary George Eustice , who told Sky News : `` We 're not moving the goalposts . ''
With the prime minister expected to downplay the potential risks of a no-deal Brexit , Sky News experts provide their analysis on the new plans .
However keen the government is to downplay this legislation , denying it is shifting the goalposts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , bold and potentially game-changing , it suggests Boris Johnson is trying to achieve two things .
Firstly , as a no-deal exit looks increasingly possible , the UK may be preparing to keep maximum control over areas like state aid and customs , so it can safeguard the country 's interests in such a scenario .
Secondly , it is a threat : with talks between David Frost and Michel Barnier stalling , it makes it abundantly clear without a deal the UK will walk away and rip up much of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ argues this is just a `` fall back '' option , but the stunned reaction from diplomats and opposition politicians suggests it is something far more aggressive .
Irish government still believes Withdrawal Agreement is a done deal By Stephen Murphy , Ireland correspondent The ripping up of a legal agreement less than a year old , or a familiar case of political brinkmanship ?
That 's the question today in Dublin and Belfast , as political leaders grasp the reports that Boris Johnson could be about to ditch the Northern Ireland protocol @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blue '' , said one Dublin government source .
There is now real concern in the Irish government that new UK legislation will override core principles of the Withdrawal Agreement , and will raise the spectre of a hard border on the island of Ireland once more .
That course of action would be `` unwise '' according to the Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney , in a blunt tweet .
Others feel that `` unwise '' is a massive understatement .
`` How could any country come to an agreement with Britain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an international treaty ? ''
asked the SDLP leader Colum Eastwood , echoing the thoughts of many in Ireland .
Could Britain really be prepared to sacrifice its credibility on the international negotiating stage in exchange for a more politically acceptable outcome to NI-GB trade ?
That 's how Dublin will will weigh up the likelihood of these reports coming to fruition .
But there is also a prevailing attitude of `` let 's wait and see '' .
Taoiseach Micheal Martin and his team will want to see what exactly is contained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ responding , and even then will await clarification sought by Michel Barnier and his negotiators .
One thing is sure : in the eyes of the Irish government , the Withdrawal Agreement is closed - a done deal .
Incendiary move could unite EU nations rather than divide them By Adam Parsons , Europe correspondent In Brussels , the Withdrawal Agreement is seen as a fundamental building block of Brexit .
The idea of rewriting it , at this stage , is a non-starter for the European Union .
For one thing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get it agreed in the first place .
There is zero appetite for going back to basics at this point .
But for another - and this is more important - there is a genuine sense of shock and anger among EU diplomats that the British government could contemplate this .
One told me that he was `` bemused '' that Britain could push so hard to preserve the `` primacy of British law '' and then threaten to tear up the rule book .
Another diplomat described the idea as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that would `` undermine '' the UK 's international standing .
Brexit negotiations have certainly stagnated recently .
That may well be because many across Europe have underestimated the UK Government 's willingness to accept leaving without a deal .
Something was needed to inject energy .
But , in Brussels , the prospect of Britain ignoring the Withdrawal Agreement will be incendiary .
It may yet unite EU nations , rather than divide them .

Boris Johnson is reportedly planning new legislation that would override key parts of last year's EU withdrawal agreement.
In the face of mounting criticism from senior political figures, the government's actions have been defended by Environment Secretary George Eustice, who told Sky News: "We're not moving the goalposts."
With the prime minister expected to downplay the potential risks of a no-deal Brexit, Sky News experts provide their analysis on the new plans.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:59 Eustice denies reports Brexit agreement being ripped up
Dynamite move makes no deal look increasingly possible
By Joe Pike, political correspondent
However keen the government is to downplay this legislation, denying it is shifting the goalposts, this move is dynamite.
Unexpected, bold and potentially game-changing, it suggests Boris Johnson is trying to achieve two things.
Firstly, as a no-deal exit looks increasingly possible, the UK may be preparing to keep maximum control over areas like state aid and customs, so it can safeguard the country's interests in such a scenario.
Secondly, it is a threat: with talks between David Frost and Michel Barnier stalling, it makes it abundantly clear without a deal the UK will walk away and rip up much of the withdrawal agreement to boot.
Downing Street argues this is just a "fall back" option, but the stunned reaction from diplomats and opposition politicians suggests it is something far more aggressive.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:41 Moment MPs approve Withdrawal Agreement
Irish government still believes Withdrawal Agreement is a done deal
By Stephen Murphy, Ireland correspondent
The ripping up of a legal agreement less than a year old, or a familiar case of political brinkmanship?
That's the question today in Dublin and Belfast, as political leaders grasp the reports that Boris Johnson could be about to ditch the Northern Ireland protocol.
"It came out of the blue", said one Dublin government source. There is now real concern in the Irish government that new UK legislation will override core principles of the Withdrawal Agreement, and will raise the spectre of a hard border on the island of Ireland once more.
That course of action would be "unwise" according to the Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney, in a blunt tweet. Others feel that "unwise" is a massive understatement.
Image: Ireland's Minister for foreign affairs Simon Coveney branded the move "unwise"
"How could any country come to an agreement with Britain if they're prepared to rip up an international treaty?" asked the SDLP leader Colum Eastwood, echoing the thoughts of many in Ireland.
Could Britain really be prepared to sacrifice its credibility on the international negotiating stage in exchange for a more politically acceptable outcome to NI-GB trade?
That's how Dublin will will weigh up the likelihood of these reports coming to fruition. But there is also a prevailing attitude of "let's wait and see".
Taoiseach Micheal Martin and his team will want to see what exactly is contained in the bill later this week before responding, and even then will await clarification sought by Michel Barnier and his negotiators.
One thing is sure: in the eyes of the Irish government, the Withdrawal Agreement is closed - a done deal.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:57 This week a 'moment of reckoning' for Brexit talks
Incendiary move could unite EU nations rather than divide them
By Adam Parsons, Europe correspondent
In Brussels, the Withdrawal Agreement is seen as a fundamental building block of Brexit. The idea of rewriting it, at this stage, is a non-starter for the European Union.
For one thing, it took a lot of political effort to get it agreed in the first place. There is zero appetite for going back to basics at this point.
But for another - and this is more important - there is a genuine sense of shock and anger among EU diplomats that the British government could contemplate this.
One told me that he was "bemused" that Britain could push so hard to preserve the "primacy of British law" and then threaten to tear up the rule book.
Another diplomat described the idea as a "desperate and ultimately self-defeating strategy" that would "undermine" the UK's international standing.
Brexit negotiations have certainly stagnated recently. That may well be because many across Europe have underestimated the UK Government's willingness to accept leaving without a deal.
Something was needed to inject energy. But, in Brussels, the prospect of Britain ignoring the Withdrawal Agreement will be incendiary. It may yet unite EU nations, rather than divide them.


skynewspolitics--2020-09-07--Quarantine time could be cut under ministers' airport testing plan

The quarantine time for some travellers arriving in the UK could be nearly halved under a plan being worked up by ministers .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock revealed he is trying to reduce the 14-day isolation period for those coming in from countries with concerning coronavirus rates down to eight days .
The move has been called for by travel industry figures and the Labour Party to revitalise one of the industries hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic , with the boss of Heathrow Airport telling the government last month to `` get a grip '' .
The health secretary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to try to find a way to allow for the quarantine to be reduced , but done in a way that also keeps people safe . ''
He explained that one test at the border `` does n't work '' as the virus can incubate - meaning it is not able to be picked up in the early stages .
Asked if travellers could then get a second test after eight days ' quarantine which if returned a negative result could release them , he said `` I 'm not just made aware @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Grant Shapps '' on the plan .
It is `` one of the things we 'd like to bring in as soon as it 's practical to do it '' , Mr Hancock added , confirming : `` It is something we 're working on . ''
Tens of thousands of travellers have been hit by changes to the list of countries where anyone arriving from must isolate , usually updated on Thursday or Friday .
Last-minute briefings and quick jumps in coronavirus cases have led to people scrambling to get home to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they can not afford to miss work or do not want their children to miss more school - but being hit by higher flight prices .
Popular tourist destinations including Spain and France are among the places where travellers have suddenly faced the news they will have to isolate when they get back .
And different lists by each UK nation have led to some anger and confusion about how ministers are interpreting the same data and reaching different decisions .
Changing the quarantine length could deepen that frustration , if England cut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wales kept their policy of 14 days .

The quarantine time for some travellers arriving in the UK could be nearly halved under a plan being worked up by ministers.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock revealed he is trying to reduce the 14-day isolation period for those coming in from countries with concerning coronavirus rates down to eight days.
The move has been called for by travel industry figures and the Labour Party to revitalise one of the industries hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, with the boss of Heathrow Airport telling the government last month to "get a grip".
Image: The aviation industry has been hit hard by the pandemic
Mr Hancock hinted a breakthrough could be close.
The health secretary told LBC: "We are working to try to find a way to allow for the quarantine to be reduced, but done in a way that also keeps people safe."
He explained that one test at the border "doesn't work" as the virus can incubate - meaning it is not able to be picked up in the early stages.
Asked if travellers could then get a second test after eight days' quarantine which if returned a negative result could release them, he said "I'm not just made aware of it, I'm working with Grant Shapps" on the plan.
Image: Matt Hancock said a one-test system at the border 'doesn't work' as the virus can incubate
It is "one of the things we'd like to bring in as soon as it's practical to do it", Mr Hancock added, confirming: "It is something we're working on."
Tens of thousands of travellers have been hit by changes to the list of countries where anyone arriving from must isolate, usually updated on Thursday or Friday.
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Last-minute briefings and quick jumps in coronavirus cases have led to people scrambling to get home to avoid a lengthy quarantine - often because they cannot afford to miss work or do not want their children to miss more school - but being hit by higher flight prices.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:59 Britons abroad confused over quarantine rules
Popular tourist destinations including Spain and France are among the places where travellers have suddenly faced the news they will have to isolate when they get back.
And different lists by each UK nation have led to some anger and confusion about how ministers are interpreting the same data and reaching different decisions.
Changing the quarantine length could deepen that frustration, if England cut it while Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales kept their policy of 14 days.


skynewspolitics--2020-09-07--'People are ashamed': PM told not to hurl 'insults' in parliament

Boris Johnson has been told not to hurl `` insults '' at other MPs in the House of Commons .
Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle - in charge of keeping order in the debating chamber - had some stern words for the prime minister following a furious clash with Sir Keir Starmer last week .
Mr Johnson had accused the Labour leader of supporting `` an IRA-condoning politician '' - referring to Jeremy Corbyn .
He was asked to withdraw the remark but refused to .
Sir Lindsay later told Sky News people watching would be `` ashamed '' and he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from MPs in the future .
`` It is PMQs - and it 's for the PM to answer questions , same with ministers .
It 's not opposition questions , '' he told the Kay Burley show .
`` I do n't want it to get personal .
Of course we will always have banter but it was about turning down the heat .
`` Personal attacks are not good .
People are ashamed when that happens .
`` They want to hear the prime minister answer the questions , not trade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to see .
I certainly do n't want to get it so personal .
`` It was about reminding the chamber : do n't forget , the world is watching us and the world will reflect on how we behave .
So if we have better behaviour , hopefully that will spread in the same way . ''
Sir Lindsay added he is happy to see `` humour without the heat '' but `` it 's the anger I want to take out of that '' .
He also voiced hopes the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ metre social distancing restricting the number of MPs who can speak in the chamber , could be back to being fully-packed by Christmas .
`` But , '' he warned , `` who knows what the cold spell 's gon na bring for us ?
Who knows where the country will be ? ''

Boris Johnson has been told not to hurl "insults" at other MPs in the House of Commons.
Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle - in charge of keeping order in the debating chamber - had some stern words for the prime minister following a furious clash with Sir Keir Starmer last week.
Mr Johnson had accused the Labour leader of supporting "an IRA-condoning politician" - referring to Jeremy Corbyn.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:22 Johnson and Starmer clash over IRA
He was asked to withdraw the remark but refused to.
Sir Lindsay later told Sky News people watching would be "ashamed" and he wants to see "better behaviour" from MPs in the future.
"It is PMQs - and it's for the PM to answer questions, same with ministers. It's not opposition questions," he told the Kay Burley show.
"I don't want it to get personal. Of course we will always have banter but it was about turning down the heat.
"Personal attacks are not good. People are ashamed when that happens.
Image: Sir Lindsay Hoyle hopes the Commons can be back to normal by Christmas. Pic: UK Parliament
"They want to hear the prime minister answer the questions, not trade insults. That's not what I want to see. I certainly don't want to get it so personal.
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"It was about reminding the chamber: don't forget, the world is watching us and the world will reflect on how we behave. So if we have better behaviour, hopefully that will spread in the same way."
Sir Lindsay added he is happy to see "humour without the heat" but "it's the anger I want to take out of that".
He also voiced hopes the Commons, which is still enforcing two metre social distancing restricting the number of MPs who can speak in the chamber, could be back to being fully-packed by Christmas.
"But," he warned, "who knows what the cold spell's gonna bring for us? Who knows where the country will be?"


skynewspolitics--2020-09-06--Thousands of COVID-19 'heroes' could be deported without govt action, MPs warn

Thousands of EU citizens - including coronavirus `` heroes and heroines '' - face deportation unless the government gives them an automatic right to remain in the UK , opposition MPs have warned .
The politicians say they are `` extremely concerned '' many of those born in the EU but now residing in the UK could `` fall through the cracks '' of the scheme they must apply to for permission to stay now Brexit has happened .
Under the current process , EU citizens must apply for `` settled status '' to remain living and working in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ freedom of movement will end at the beginning of next year .
But Ian Blackford , the Westminster leader of the SNP , and other politicians including Alistair Carmichael of the Liberal Democrats , Adam Price of Plaid Cymru , Caroline Lucas of the Green Party and Colum Eastwood of the SDLP are worried the COVID-19 pandemic has `` severely disrupted '' the application process .
They claim the crisis means public awareness campaigns and the support system for applicants have also been hit , and want ministers to give an `` automatic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - guaranteed in the form of a new law .
In a letter to Prime Minister Boris Johnson , they said : `` The coronavirus crisis has demonstrated that our society is kept functioning by workers whose role is often overlooked or taken for granted , from agricultural labourers to shop floor workers , and delivery drivers to nurses .
`` A large proportion of these workers are migrants .
`` It should be a matter of national shame that many of the heroes and heroines of the coronavirus crisis will have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country by the tone and content of our national debate on immigration . ''
Responding , a Home Office spokesperson said the settled status scheme is `` easy '' for those who want to apply and `` provides them with secure evidence which they can use to demonstrate their right to work , study , housing and benefits '' .
The call on Sunday has been made repeatedly by opposition MPs and campaigners over the last few years .
So far , some 3.81 million applications have been made , of which 3.59 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ figures up to July 2020 show .
The number of people handed settled status is 2,041,200 , while 1,475,500 have been given pre-settled status , with 4,600 applications refused , 36,500 withdrawn or void and a further 34,900 deemed invalid .
The highest numbers of applications received were from Polish , Romanian and Italian nationals .
The government 's website says `` it is taking longer than usual to process applications because of coronavirus '' .
Those who apply to the settled status scheme who have been living in the UK continuously for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called `` pre-settled status '' .
Once they have lived in the UK for five years , they can then apply for full settled status .
Those with either status are able to work in the UK , use the NHS for free , if they can at the moment , enrol in education or continue studying , access public funds such as benefits and pensions , if they are already eligible , and travel in and out of the UK .
It comes ahead of a `` moment of reckoning '' in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' chief negotiator Michel Barnier coming to London next week .

Thousands of EU citizens - including coronavirus "heroes and heroines" - face deportation unless the government gives them an automatic right to remain in the UK, opposition MPs have warned.
The politicians say they are "extremely concerned" many of those born in the EU but now residing in the UK could "fall through the cracks" of the scheme they must apply to for permission to stay now Brexit has happened.
Under the current process, EU citizens must apply for "settled status" to remain living and working in the UK after 30 June 2021, given freedom of movement will end at the beginning of next year.
Image: A letter about the issue has been sent to Boris Johnson
But Ian Blackford, the Westminster leader of the SNP, and other politicians including Alistair Carmichael of the Liberal Democrats, Adam Price of Plaid Cymru, Caroline Lucas of the Green Party and Colum Eastwood of the SDLP are worried the COVID-19 pandemic has "severely disrupted" the application process.
They claim the crisis means public awareness campaigns and the support system for applicants have also been hit, and want ministers to give an "automatic right to stay for EU citizens" - guaranteed in the form of a new law.
In a letter to Prime Minister Boris Johnson, they said: "The coronavirus crisis has demonstrated that our society is kept functioning by workers whose role is often overlooked or taken for granted, from agricultural labourers to shop floor workers, and delivery drivers to nurses.
"A large proportion of these workers are migrants.
"It should be a matter of national shame that many of the heroes and heroines of the coronavirus crisis will have been made to feel so unwelcome in this country by the tone and content of our national debate on immigration."
Responding, a Home Office spokesperson said the settled status scheme is "easy" for those who want to apply and "provides them with secure evidence which they can use to demonstrate their right to work, study, housing and benefits".
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Image: Campaigners want EU citizens' rights to remain guaranteed automatically
The call on Sunday has been made repeatedly by opposition MPs and campaigners over the last few years.
So far, some 3.81 million applications have been made, of which 3.59 million have been completed, the latest figures up to July 2020 show.
The number of people handed settled status is 2,041,200, while 1,475,500 have been given pre-settled status, with 4,600 applications refused, 36,500 withdrawn or void and a further 34,900 deemed invalid.
The highest numbers of applications received were from Polish, Romanian and Italian nationals.
Image: The Home Office says more than 2 million people have been given settled status
The government's website says "it is taking longer than usual to process applications because of coronavirus".
Those who apply to the settled status scheme who have been living in the UK continuously for less than five years may get something called "pre-settled status".
Once they have lived in the UK for five years, they can then apply for full settled status.
Those with either status are able to work in the UK, use the NHS for free, if they can at the moment, enrol in education or continue studying, access public funds such as benefits and pensions, if they are already eligible, and travel in and out of the UK.
It comes ahead of a "moment of reckoning" in UK-EU trade deal talks, with Brussels' chief negotiator Michel Barnier coming to London next week.


skynewspolitics--2020-09-07--UK negotiator: 'More realism' needed from EU in Brexit talks

Boris Johnson 's chief Brexit negotiator has said there needs to be `` more realism '' from Brussels about the UK 's `` status as an independent country '' .
David Frost has declared that this week is make-or-break for trade talks with the EU if the UK is to avoid leaving the transition period with no deal .
Lord Frost and the EU 's Michel Barnier are meeting for the eighth round of Brexit negotiations in London after the prime minister set a new deadline for a deal that is just five weeks away .
And Lord Frost insists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talks this week if the UK and EU are to reach a deal by the PM 's deadline of 15 October , when Europe 's leaders meet at a major summit .
`` Today , I will sit down with Michel Barnier and drive home our clear message that we must make progress this week if we are to reach an agreement in time , '' he said .
`` We have now been talking for six months and can no longer afford to go over well-trodden ground .
We need to see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ status as an independent country .
`` As we have done from the beginning in public and in private , I will reinforce our simple , reasonable request for a free trade agreement based on those the EU has signed before with like-minded partners .
`` Throughout , we have listened carefully to our EU counterparts , signalled flexibility where possible to move the talks forward , and tabled new proposals to make progress .
`` But we have repeatedly made clear that key elements of our position derive from the fundamentals of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's time for the EU to fully recognise this reality .
`` If they ca n't do that in the very limited time we have left then we will be trading on terms like those the EU has with Australia , and we are ramping up our preparations for the end of the year . ''
But despite his warning , Lord Frost insisted : `` There is still time to reach a good agreement and I look forward to this week 's face-to-face negotiations where I hope progress can be made .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a no-deal departure from the EU would be a `` good outcome '' and Lord Frost said in an interview that Britain would not `` blink '' in this week 's talks .
According to the Daily Telegraph , the PM will tell EU leaders that the withdrawal agreement he renegotiated with them last year and then signed up to is `` contradictory '' .
The newspaper reports that Mr Johnson thinks the deal is `` legally ambiguous '' and would leave Northern Ireland isolated from the rest of the UK , something @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Mr Johnson 's political opponents and other European leaders are sceptical about the British government 's apparent threat to walk away and claim it is posturing in a bid to extract concessions from the EU .
`` At this stage of negotiations you often see a certain level of sabre-rattling and a certain level of posturing , if you like , '' said Ireland 's deputy leader Leo Varadkar .
`` So our response to this is going to be measured . ''
The PM is also being accused of ripping up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bill in parliament which overrides the most contentious part of the agreement , the protocol designed to avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland .
`` We have a withdrawal agreement , '' Mr Varadkar added .
`` It is an international treaty and international treaties must be honoured . ''
At Westminster , Labour claims the fact that Mr Johnson is now planning to introduce legislation , the Internal Market Bill , affecting the withdrawal agreement suggests the deal he did was not as good as he claimed .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an oven-ready deal , '' shadow Northern Ireland secretary Louise Haigh told Sky News .
`` He promised Northern Ireland businesses they could rip up paperwork and put it in the bin if they were asked to fill it in when trading between Great Britain and Northern Ireland .
`` None of that was going to be true and he knew that , based on the agreement in the protocol he negotiated with the EU last October .
`` Either he did n't know what he was agreeing to , or he has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` And it may be the case now that they 're covering their tracks and attempting to withdraw unilaterally from something they always knew they were going to have to implement . ''
The pro-Remain former cabinet minister , David Gauke , told Sky News the PM is trying to reconcile the deal he sold to the public with the one he actually signed .
`` The government is unilaterally attempting to rewrite the contents of the treaty to make it consistent with what the prime minister said , '' said Mr Gauke @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with what the treaty that was agreed by both parties last year and implemented by parliament earlier this year actually means .
`` And if that is what happens than that is clearly going to damage trust between the EU and UK .
The EU are likely to see this as an act of bad faith on the part of the UK , and frankly with some justification . ''
But the Conservatives ' allies at Westminster , the Democratic Unionist Party , gave the prime minister 's proposals for new legislation a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' The uncertainty around the future trading relationship is a matter the government must urgently address , '' the DUP said in a statement .
`` Great Britain is our main market .
It accounts for 52.7 % of Northern Ireland external sales and 65 % of Northern Ireland purchases are from Great Britain .
`` We note the speculation that the government will pursue fall-back measures under the Internal Market Bill to protect Northern Ireland 's interests should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the threat of the NI Protocol .
`` We will want to see the finer details and clauses relating to this and will study them carefully .
`` We welcome them in broad terms in so far as they go , but the government must continue to work to remove any disadvantages to Northern Ireland brought about by its signing up to the Protocol . ''

Boris Johnson's chief Brexit negotiator has said there needs to be "more realism" from Brussels about the UK's "status as an independent country".
David Frost has declared that this week is make-or-break for trade talks with the EU if the UK is to avoid leaving the transition period with no deal.
Lord Frost and the EU's Michel Barnier are meeting for the eighth round of Brexit negotiations in London after the prime minister set a new deadline for a deal that is just five weeks away.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:59 Minister defends government actions on Brexit
And Lord Frost insists that progress must be made in the talks this week if the UK and EU are to reach a deal by the PM's deadline of 15 October, when Europe's leaders meet at a major summit.
"Today, I will sit down with Michel Barnier and drive home our clear message that we must make progress this week if we are to reach an agreement in time," he said.
"We have now been talking for six months and can no longer afford to go over well-trodden ground. We need to see more realism from the EU about our status as an independent country.
"As we have done from the beginning in public and in private, I will reinforce our simple, reasonable request for a free trade agreement based on those the EU has signed before with like-minded partners.
"Throughout, we have listened carefully to our EU counterparts, signalled flexibility where possible to move the talks forward, and tabled new proposals to make progress.
"But we have repeatedly made clear that key elements of our position derive from the fundamentals of being a sovereign state, and it's time for the EU to fully recognise this reality.
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"If they can't do that in the very limited time we have left then we will be trading on terms like those the EU has with Australia, and we are ramping up our preparations for the end of the year."
But despite his warning, Lord Frost insisted: "There is still time to reach a good agreement and I look forward to this week's face-to-face negotiations where I hope progress can be made."
Mr Johnson said this week that a no-deal departure from the EU would be a "good outcome" and Lord Frost said in an interview that Britain would not "blink" in this week's talks.
According to the Daily Telegraph, the PM will tell EU leaders that the withdrawal agreement he renegotiated with them last year and then signed up to is "contradictory".
The newspaper reports that Mr Johnson thinks the deal is "legally ambiguous" and would leave Northern Ireland isolated from the rest of the UK, something that was "unforeseen" last year.
Mr Johnson's political opponents and other European leaders are sceptical about the British government's apparent threat to walk away and claim it is posturing in a bid to extract concessions from the EU.
"At this stage of negotiations you often see a certain level of sabre-rattling and a certain level of posturing, if you like," said Ireland's deputy leader Leo Varadkar. "So our response to this is going to be measured."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:57 'Moment of reckoning' for Brexit talks
The PM is also being accused of ripping up his own withdrawal agreement by publishing a bill in parliament which overrides the most contentious part of the agreement, the protocol designed to avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland.
"We have a withdrawal agreement," Mr Varadkar added. "It is an international treaty and international treaties must be honoured."
At Westminster, Labour claims the fact that Mr Johnson is now planning to introduce legislation, the Internal Market Bill, affecting the withdrawal agreement suggests the deal he did was not as good as he claimed.
"He promised the British people he had an oven-ready deal," shadow Northern Ireland secretary Louise Haigh told Sky News.
"He promised Northern Ireland businesses they could rip up paperwork and put it in the bin if they were asked to fill it in when trading between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
"None of that was going to be true and he knew that, based on the agreement in the protocol he negotiated with the EU last October.
"Either he didn't know what he was agreeing to, or he has been misleading the public ever since.
"And it may be the case now that they're covering their tracks and attempting to withdraw unilaterally from something they always knew they were going to have to implement."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 5:08 EU negotiator 'disappointed' by Brexit talks
The pro-Remain former cabinet minister, David Gauke, told Sky News the PM is trying to reconcile the deal he sold to the public with the one he actually signed.
"The government is unilaterally attempting to rewrite the contents of the treaty to make it consistent with what the prime minister said," said Mr Gauke.
"But that's not consistent with what the treaty that was agreed by both parties last year and implemented by parliament earlier this year actually means.
"And if that is what happens than that is clearly going to damage trust between the EU and UK. The EU are likely to see this as an act of bad faith on the part of the UK, and frankly with some justification."
But Robert Jenrick, the housing secretary, denied the government was doing anything wrong, telling Sky News' Kay Burley show: "We're a rules-based country, we want to maintain our international obligations."
And the Conservatives' allies at Westminster, the Democratic Unionist Party, gave the prime minister's proposals for new legislation a cautious welcome.
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:: Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
"The uncertainty around the future trading relationship is a matter the government must urgently address," the DUP said in a statement.
"Great Britain is our main market. It accounts for 52.7% of Northern Ireland external sales and 65% of Northern Ireland purchases are from Great Britain.
"We note the speculation that the government will pursue fall-back measures under the Internal Market Bill to protect Northern Ireland's interests should a deal not be agreed that mitigates the threat of the NI Protocol.
"We will want to see the finer details and clauses relating to this and will study them carefully.
"We welcome them in broad terms in so far as they go, but the government must continue to work to remove any disadvantages to Northern Ireland brought about by its signing up to the Protocol."


skynewspolitics--2020-09-07--Seven Greek islands added to quarantine list as rule change revealed

Seven Greek islands have been added to England 's quarantine list - affecting travellers returning from Lesvos , Tinos , Serifos , Mykonos , Crete , Santorini and Zakynthos .
It comes as Transport Secretary Grant Shapps announced the rules are changing on which areas anyone coming back from must isolate for two weeks .
Instead of a whole-country approach to the coronavirus quarantine , individual islands will be able to be treated differently .
Mr Shapps said the new quarantine policy for seven Greek islands will come into effect from 4am on Wednesday as there was a `` significant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ islands '' .
Travel operator TUI UK said it currently had 7,500 customers on four of the affected islands and that 14 flights scheduled to take holidaymakers there on Tuesday had been cancelled .
It has now scrapped all trips to Crete , Santorini , Zakynthos and Mykonos until 22 September - with customers able to claim a refund or switch to an alternative destination .
In contrast to the islands added to the quarantine list , mainland Greece will remain on England 's exemption list of COVID-19 `` travel corridors '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ islands differently was not yet able to happen for regions within a country 's mainland territory .
The Department for Transport ( DfT ) said the new rules will only apply to land that has a `` clear boundary '' - such as an island - and `` internationally comparable data '' on COVID-19 cases .
`` Our top priority has always been to keep domestic infection rates down , and today we 're taking the next step in our approach , '' Mr Shapps told MPs .
`` Through the use of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to pinpoint risk in some of the most popular islands , providing increased flexibility to add or remove them - distinct from the mainland - as infection rates change .
`` This development will help boost the UK 's travel industry while continuing to maintain maximum protection to public health , keeping the travelling public safe . ''
It follows anger and confusion from some holidaymakers hit by last-minute changes .
Several have complained that countries added to the quarantine list have seen coronavirus cases growing in a particular region on the mainland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safe .
That was the case when Spain was added to the list in July due to a spike of infections in three northeastern regions .
The move also hit sun-seekers on the Balearic and Canary Islands - leaving some questioning why , given the popular destinations had much lower rates of COVID-19 .
Mr Shapps told the Commons that no islands will be added to the `` safe list '' for now .
`` When we removed Spain from the travel corridor list there were 24 cases per 100,000 .
Today there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ high in the Balearic and Canary Islands as well , '' he said .
`` Passengers and the aviation industry need confidence that ministers are n't simply making it up as they go along , '' he said .
Mr McMahon added : `` We are still yet to see the scientific evidence for the government 's decision making and why , unlike in Scotland and Wales , those returning from Portugal do n't need to self-isolate .
`` After the mess we 've seen , it is vital that the government undertakes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report as soon as possible . ''
England 's new approach follows that of Wales - which last week added some Greek islands to its quarantine list and exempted several Portuguese islands .
Meanwhile Scotland has added the whole of Greece to its quarantine list .
IAG , the owner of British Airways , said it was `` evident back in July '' that islands should be treated separately .
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' The government is being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' a spokesman said .
Mr Shapps also told MPs that the DfT is `` working actively '' on reducing the 14-day quarantine requirement - but he said that only testing people for COVID-19 on arrival `` would not work '' .
Cabinet colleague Matt Hancock said earlier that he is trying to reduce the isolation period down to eight days .
The health secretary explained that one test at the border `` does n't work '' as the virus can incubate - meaning it is not able to be picked up in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could then get a second test after eight days ' quarantine which if returned a negative result could release them , he said `` I 'm not just made aware of it , I 'm working with Grant Shapps '' on the plan .
Mr Shapps said during his appearance in front of MPs that the government will be `` stepping up '' its quarantine enforcement measures .
Are you on holiday on one of the Greek islands ?
Get in touch with Sky News : : Email - news @ sky.com : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apps

Seven Greek islands have been added to England's quarantine list - affecting travellers returning from Lesvos, Tinos, Serifos, Mykonos, Crete, Santorini and Zakynthos.
It comes as Transport Secretary Grant Shapps announced the rules are changing on which areas anyone coming back from must isolate for two weeks.
Instead of a whole-country approach to the coronavirus quarantine, individual islands will be able to be treated differently.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:57 Seven Greek islands added to quarantine list
Mr Shapps said the new quarantine policy for seven Greek islands will come into effect from 4am on Wednesday as there was a "significant risk to UK public health from those islands".
Travel operator TUI UK said it currently had 7,500 customers on four of the affected islands and that 14 flights scheduled to take holidaymakers there on Tuesday had been cancelled.
It has now scrapped all trips to Crete, Santorini, Zakynthos and Mykonos until 22 September - with customers able to claim a refund or switch to an alternative destination.
In contrast to the islands added to the quarantine list, mainland Greece will remain on England's exemption list of COVID-19 "travel corridors".
Mr Shapps explained the move to treat islands differently was not yet able to happen for regions within a country's mainland territory.
The Department for Transport (DfT) said the new rules will only apply to land that has a "clear boundary" - such as an island - and "internationally comparable data" on COVID-19 cases.
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"Our top priority has always been to keep domestic infection rates down, and today we're taking the next step in our approach," Mr Shapps told MPs.
"Through the use of enhanced data we will now be able to pinpoint risk in some of the most popular islands, providing increased flexibility to add or remove them - distinct from the mainland - as infection rates change.
"This development will help boost the UK's travel industry while continuing to maintain maximum protection to public health, keeping the travelling public safe."
It follows anger and confusion from some holidaymakers hit by last-minute changes.
Several have complained that countries added to the quarantine list have seen coronavirus cases growing in a particular region on the mainland - but the islands are still largely safe.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:21 Matt Hancock: Rise in COVID-19 cases 'concerning'
That was the case when Spain was added to the list in July due to a spike of infections in three northeastern regions.
The move also hit sun-seekers on the Balearic and Canary Islands - leaving some questioning why, given the popular destinations had much lower rates of COVID-19.
Mr Shapps told the Commons that no islands will be added to the "safe list" for now.
"When we removed Spain from the travel corridor list there were 24 cases per 100,000. Today there are 127 cases and it remains too high in the Balearic and Canary Islands as well," he said.
Labour's shadow transport secretary Jim McMahon said there remained "unanswered questions".
"Passengers and the aviation industry need confidence that ministers aren't simply making it up as they go along," he said.
Mr McMahon added: "We are still yet to see the scientific evidence for the government's decision making and why, unlike in Scotland and Wales, those returning from Portugal don't need to self-isolate.
"After the mess we've seen, it is vital that the government undertakes a review into quarantine policy, to report as soon as possible."
England's new approach follows that of Wales - which last week added some Greek islands to its quarantine list and exempted several Portuguese islands.
Meanwhile Scotland has added the whole of Greece to its quarantine list.
IAG, the owner of British Airways, said it was "evident back in July" that islands should be treated separately.
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"The government is being too slow in making obvious decisions," a spokesman said.
Mr Shapps also told MPs that the DfT is "working actively" on reducing the 14-day quarantine requirement - but he said that only testing people for COVID-19 on arrival "would not work".
Cabinet colleague Matt Hancock said earlier that he is trying to reduce the isolation period down to eight days.
The health secretary explained that one test at the border "doesn't work" as the virus can incubate - meaning it is not able to be picked up in the early stages.
Asked if travellers could then get a second test after eight days' quarantine which if returned a negative result could release them, he said "I'm not just made aware of it, I'm working with Grant Shapps" on the plan.
Mr Shapps said during his appearance in front of MPs that the government will be "stepping up" its quarantine enforcement measures.
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skynewspolitics--2020-09-07--Staff member at school recently visited by PM tests positive for coronavirus

A member of staff at a school recently visited by the prime minister has tested positive for coronavirus .
Boris Johnson was at Castle Rock school in Coalville , Leicestershire on 26 August .
He was at the school as it welcomed pupils for the first time since the COVID-19 lockdown .
During his time there , Mr Johnson delivered a speech to pupils in which he cited the debate surrounding Rule , Britannia !
as an example of a concept that teachers are able to help them understand .
The PM also referred to the `` supine stem of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his view on Harry Potter and whether it is sexist or not .
Michael Gamble , the head of the school , revealed the positive coronavirus test in a letter to parents .
`` We apologise for the lateness of this letter , however this evening we have been informed that one member of our staff at The Castle Rock School has been tested positive for COVID-19 , '' he said .
`` The health , safety and well-being of our students is paramount .
`` Please be assured that we have sought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evening , and we are continuing to closely follow the published government guidance .
`` Staff who may have been in 'contact ' with the staff member have already been contacted by the NHS Test and Trace process . ''
Schools in England and Wales began reopening for all year groups last week , with the remainder due to open this week .
Dozens of schools have reported cases of COVID-19 since reopening .
Some have had to close their doors , while others have told entire classes and year groups to self-isolate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Haverhill , Suffolk closed on Monday on the advice of Public Health England after five members of its teaching staff tested positive .
Two other staff members are awaiting their test results .
The school described the closure as a `` precautionary measure '' and said it hoped to reopen on Tuesday .
Liverpool City Council said eight schools have had positive cases of the virus , with the year 11 `` bubble '' at Liverpool College told to self-isolate after a pupil was confirmed as having coronavirus .
All 160 year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ College in Trowbridge , Wiltshire have been told to self-isolate after a student tested positive .
Three schools in the area around Middlesbrough have also had confirmed cases - St Benedict 's RC Primary School in Redcar , St Aidan 's CE Primary School in Hartlepool and Outwood Academy Ormesby in Middlesbrough - but they will stay open .
The JCB Academy in Rocester , Staffordshire , shut on Friday after a pupil tested positive for the virus , with around 100 students told to self-isolate .
In Wales , at least 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by coronavirus .
Thirty children from Ysgol Bro Edern have been asked to self-isolate for 14 days in the wake of a confirmed case , Cardiff Council said on Monday .
The year seven pupils were identified as contacts of a fellow student who tested positive on Sunday .
Meanwhile , a class of 21 pupils at St Gwladys Primary School in Bargoed , Caerphilly , have also been told to self-isolate for two weeks after a staff member tested positive .
And the return to the classroom for some year groups has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bridgend and Ysgol Maesteg after members of staff returned positive COVID-19 tests .

A member of staff at a school recently visited by the prime minister has tested positive for coronavirus.
Boris Johnson was at Castle Rock school in Coalville, Leicestershire on 26 August.
He was at the school as it welcomed pupils for the first time since the COVID-19 lockdown.
Image: The prime minister speaks to year seven pupils during his visit
During his time there, Mr Johnson delivered a speech to pupils in which he cited the debate surrounding Rule, Britannia! as an example of a concept that teachers are able to help them understand.
The PM also referred to the "supine stem of confiteor" from Latin study and gave his view on Harry Potter and whether it is sexist or not.
Michael Gamble, the head of the school, revealed the positive coronavirus test in a letter to parents.
"We apologise for the lateness of this letter, however this evening we have been informed that one member of our staff at The Castle Rock School has been tested positive for COVID-19," he said.
"The health, safety and well-being of our students is paramount.
"Please be assured that we have sought immediate advice from Public Health England this evening, and we are continuing to closely follow the published government guidance.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:21 Health secretary: Rise in COVID-19 cases 'concerning'
"Staff who may have been in 'contact' with the staff member have already been contacted by the NHS Test and Trace process."
Schools in England and Wales began reopening for all year groups last week, with the remainder due to open this week.
Dozens of schools have reported cases of COVID-19 since reopening.
Some have had to close their doors, while others have told entire classes and year groups to self-isolate for two weeks.
Samuel Ward Academy in Haverhill, Suffolk closed on Monday on the advice of Public Health England after five members of its teaching staff tested positive.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:41 Senior Tory MP says all secondary school teachers should be tested weekly
Two other staff members are awaiting their test results.
The school described the closure as a "precautionary measure" and said it hoped to reopen on Tuesday.
Liverpool City Council said eight schools have had positive cases of the virus, with the year 11 "bubble" at Liverpool College told to self-isolate after a pupil was confirmed as having coronavirus.
All 160 year nine pupils at St Augustine's Catholic College in Trowbridge, Wiltshire have been told to self-isolate after a student tested positive.
Three schools in the area around Middlesbrough have also had confirmed cases - St Benedict's RC Primary School in Redcar, St Aidan's CE Primary School in Hartlepool and Outwood Academy Ormesby in Middlesbrough - but they will stay open.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:29 Minister: 'Schools won't have to shut in event of COVID case'
The JCB Academy in Rocester, Staffordshire, shut on Friday after a pupil tested positive for the virus, with around 100 students told to self-isolate.
In Wales, at least 10 schools are believed to have been affected by coronavirus.
Thirty children from Ysgol Bro Edern have been asked to self-isolate for 14 days in the wake of a confirmed case, Cardiff Council said on Monday.
The year seven pupils were identified as contacts of a fellow student who tested positive on Sunday.
Meanwhile, a class of 21 pupils at St Gwladys Primary School in Bargoed, Caerphilly, have also been told to self-isolate for two weeks after a staff member tested positive.
And the return to the classroom for some year groups has been delayed at Ysgol Bryn Castell in Bridgend and Ysgol Maesteg after members of staff returned positive COVID-19 tests.


skynewspolitics--2020-09-07--What is the UK Internal Market Bill and why does it matter?

The UK Internal Market Bill is causing friction between the UK and the EU after reports said it will override key parts of the Brexit agreement .
Due to be published on Wednesday , the bill was proposed in July and sets out the UK government 's plans to ensure trade between all four home nations remains barrier-free after the Brexit transition period ends on 31 December 2020 .
One of the major issues is how that can apply to Northern Ireland when it shares a border with the Republic of Ireland , which will remain in the EU .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ bill told the Financial Times that sections of it will legally override parts of the Northern Ireland protocol , which was signed alongside the Withdrawal Agreement last October .
Sky News explains what the UK internal market is , what the plans are for it and what the Northern Ireland protocol involves .
What is the UK internal market ?
Dating back to 1706 and 1707 , when the Union between England , Wales and Scotland was created , the internal market ensures there is `` open and unhindered trade '' across the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK joined the then-European Economic Community in 1973 , most of the British trade laws were replaced by European laws .
The devolution of powers to Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland in the 1990s was made within the context of EU membership , so they had power over some policy areas , such as agriculture , but they could not contravene EU law .
What is the purpose of the UK Internal Market Bill ?
The Internal Market Bill aims to maintain the joined-up market to ensure all four of the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ determined by each devolved government .
It also aims to guarantee the international community has access to the UK as a whole , knowing the standards and rules are the same throughout .
When the UK leaves the EU , the devolved powers will have no constraints from the EU so could set up their own rules on issues like food safety .
The bill aims to create common rules that apply across the whole of the UK - essentially replacing the EU 's role as the ultimate arbiter of most trade policies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
The bill proposes to bring forward legislation that will enshrine `` mutual recognition and non-discrimination '' .
Mutual recognition is defined in the bill as making sure any goods , services and qualifications that can be sold or used in one part of the UK can also be in another part of the UK - with some exceptions for Northern Ireland as laid out in the protocol ( scroll down to read more on the protocol ) .
Non-discrimination laws would make it unlawful for any of the four nations ' governments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ favour goods or services in one part of the UK over another .
An independent body to monitor how the UK 's internal market is functioning is also proposed in the bill to oversee the implementation of these principles and to consult with businesses and consumers .
But , the bill says this could not lead to the body directly overturning the decisions of a devolved government .
It also promises Edinburgh , Belfast and Cardiff will be given new powers to create their own laws in 160 policy areas once the transition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Northern Ireland protocol ?
A crucial part of the Internal Market Bill , and therefore the Withdrawal Agreement , the Northern Ireland protocol aims to avoid the introduction of a hard border on the island of Ireland in the event of a no-deal Brexit .
It states that Northern Ireland will remain part of the UK 's customs territory so if the UK signs a free trade deal with another country , Northern Irish goods would be included .
However , Northern Ireland will have to stick to some EU rules to allow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Goods moving from the rest of the UK to Northern Ireland will not be subject to a tariff unless they are `` at risk '' of being moved into the EU afterwards .
Environment Secretary George Eustice said there will need to be `` some checks on some goods '' and `` some customs processes but not customs checks '' at the border with the Republic .
: : Subscribe to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Goods coming from Northern Ireland to Great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , according to the proposed Internal Market Bill .
This means that goods sold in Northern Ireland will be accepted everywhere else in the UK , but the reverse may not be true .

Controversial proposals to change the law to ensure goods can move easily between the UK's four nations after Brexit are being debated this week.
The bill, published on 9 September, has become contentious as it overrides parts of the EU's legal divorce deal, known as the Withdrawal Agreement, which came into effect on 31 January 2020.
Despite deep misgivings by some senior Conservatives and all five living former prime ministers, MPs voted on 14 September to give the bill a second reading, with a government majority of 77 - although two Tories voted against it and 30 abstained.
Image: Northern Ireland will have to stick to some EU rules after the transition period
The bill was drawn up to ensure trade between all four home nations remains barrier-free after the Brexit transition period ends on 31 December 2020.
One of the major issues is how that can apply to Northern Ireland when it shares a border with the Republic of Ireland, which will remain in the EU.
Sky News explains what the UK internal market is, what the plans are for it and what the Northern Ireland protocol involves.
What is the UK internal market?
Dating back to 1706 and 1707, when the Union between England, Wales and Scotland was created, the internal market ensures there is "open and unhindered trade" across the UK's four nations.
When the UK joined the then-European Economic Community in 1973, most of the British trade laws were replaced by European laws.
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The devolution of powers to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in the 1990s was made within the context of EU membership, so they had power over some policy areas, such as agriculture, but they could not contravene EU law.
Image: The UK's devolved nations, including Scotland, have been able to make their own decisions on some trade issues but under the EU's overarching rules
What is the purpose of the UK Internal Market Bill?
The Internal Market Bill aims to maintain the joined-up market to ensure all four of the UK's nations are not limited by regulations determined by each devolved government.
It also aims to guarantee the international community has access to the UK as a whole, knowing the standards and rules are the same throughout.
When the UK leaves the EU, the devolved powers will have no constraints from the EU so could set up their own rules on issues like food safety.
The bill aims to create common rules that apply across the whole of the UK - essentially replacing the EU's role as the ultimate arbiter of most trade policies.
What are the bill's proposals?
The bill proposes to bring forward legislation that will enshrine "mutual recognition and non-discrimination".
Mutual recognition is defined in the bill as making sure any goods, services and qualifications which can be sold or used in one part of the UK can also be in another part of the UK, with some exceptions for Northern Ireland as laid out in the protocol (more on the protocol below).
Image: The bill means all four home nations will be able to trade freely with each other
Non-discrimination laws would make it unlawful for any of the four nations' governments to introduce rules or regulations that would favour goods or services in one part of the UK over another.
However, the bill could condradict the Withdrawal Agreement - and therefore international law - as it says ministers could have the power to "disapply" previously agreed rules relating to the movement of goods, including any under the Northern Ireland protocol.
It also says ministers can provide financial assistance to any person or company, which could mean it is overriding state aid rules set out in the Withdrawal Agreement.
The draft legislation says: "Certain provisions to have effect notwithstanding inconsistency or incompatibility with international or other domestic law."
It adds any parts of the Brexit deal which contradict it "cease to be recognised and available in domestic law".
There is also a list of precedents the new law would override, including "any other legislation, convention or rule of international or domestic law whatsoever, including any order, judgement or decision of the Europe Court or of any other court or tribunal".
An independent body to monitor how the UK's internal market is functioning is also proposed in the bill to oversee the implementation of these principles and to consult with businesses and consumers.
But, the bill says this could not lead to the body directly overturning the decisions of a devolved government.
It also promises Edinburgh, Belfast and Cardiff will be given new powers to create their own laws in 160 policy areas once the transition period is over.
What is the Northern Ireland protocol?
A crucial part of the Internal Market Bill, and therefore the Withdrawal Agreement, the Northern Ireland protocol aims to avoid the introduction of a hard border on the island of Ireland in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
It states that Northern Ireland will remain part of the UK's customs territory so if the UK signs a free trade deal with another country, Northern Irish goods would be included.
However, Northern Ireland will have to stick to some EU rules to allow goods to move freely into the Republic.
Image: The Northern Ireland protocol aims to prevent a hard border on the island of Ireland
Goods moving from the rest of the UK to Northern Ireland will not be subject to a tariff unless they are "at risk" of being moved into the EU afterwards.
Environment Secretary George Eustice said there will need to be "some checks on some goods" and "some customs processes but not customs checks" at the border with the Republic.
Goods coming from Northern Ireland to Great Britain can have "unfettered" access, according to the Internal Market Bill.
This means that goods sold in Northern Ireland will be accepted everywhere else in the UK, but the reverse may not be true.
It also could lead to increased checks on the border with the Republic of Ireland, which the UK and EU previously agreed could not happen.
Will the bill break international law?
Yes - by the government's own admission.
Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis declared to critics in the House of Commons that "this does break international law" but said it was only in "a very specific and limited way".
He explained the bill would essentially override a key part of the withdrawal agreement - Article four - which says it takes precedence over UK domestic law.
This, he said, was because the government wants to allow ministers to decide what constitutes state aid in Northern Ireland and what goods arriving in it from Great Britain should be subject to customs checks.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:40 Brexit bill could 'in theory' break law
Policing minister Kit Malthouse told Sky News' Kay Burley the bill "in theory" could break international law.
"There's precedent for that around the world," he said.
"I'm married to a Canadian and Canada breached international treaties when it legalised cannabis.
"There are often these situations that occur when countries face very very difficult circumstances - and this is one of them."
Boris Johnson said the "protective" measures were necessary because the EU was now trying to "leverage" the Northern Ireland protocol in trade talks by threatening to ban the sale of UK agri-food products anwhere in the EU, creating an "instant and automatic" prohibition on the movement of such goods from Great Britain to Northern Ireland.
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What do the EU and the UK's MPs say to that?
Five former prime ministers have spoken out against the government's proposals - Labour's Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, as well as Conservatives, Sir John Major, Theresa May and David Cameron.
A number of Tory MPs are expected to rebel against the bill as the debate over it gets started on 14 September.
Ursulla Von-der Leyen, head of the EU Council, tweeted: "Very concerned about announcements from the British government on its intentions to breach the withdrawal agreement.
"This would break international law and undermines trust. Pacta sunt servanda = the foundation of prosperous future relations."
Image: David Cameron is the fifth former PM to speak out against the Internal Market Bill
Charles Michel, president of the EU Council, added: "Breaking international law is not acceptable and does not create the confidence we need to build our future relationship."
And the EU Parliament's president, David Sassoli, said: "If the UK government fails to honour the commitments that it signed up to last year, then trust and credibility will be lost."
Michel Barnier, the bloc's chief Brexit negotiator, said "trust and confidence are, and will be, key" after the latest UK-EU trade talks finished in London 10 September.
Ireland's deputy prime minister Leo Varadkar has been more outspoken, calling it a "kamikaze" threat.
"These were really extraordinary comments, and certainly set off alarm bells in Dublin," he said. "I think they have backfired.