skynewspolitics--2020-09-11--PM pleads with Tory MPs: Back me over Brexit bill

Boris Johnson has urged Conservative MPs to support Brexit-related legislation which his government has admitted breaks international law .
Addressing about 250 MPs on Friday evening , the prime minister said the controversial UK Internal Market Bill was necessary in order to avoid `` an economic barrier down the Irish Sea '' .
He added that certain clauses in it are `` absolutely vital to protecting the integrity of our country '' .
The bill overrides parts of the EU divorce deal , and has sparked fury in Brussels , which has threatened legal action over what it considers a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ controversy deepened while the call with MPs was going on , with European Parliament leaders saying they would `` under no circumstances ratify '' any trade deal reached if `` UK authorities breach or threaten to breach '' the Withdrawal Agreement .
Earlier this week , Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis told MPs the proposed legislation `` does break international law in a very specific and limited way '' .
The bill was drawn up to ensure trade between all four home nations remains barrier-free after the Brexit transition period ends on 31 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Johnson said a gap had opened up between the UK and EU over Northern Ireland .
He told MPs : `` In the last few weeks I 've had a concern about a difference of opinion that is becoming stark in their interpretation and our interpretation of the Northern Ireland protocol . ''
He continued : `` The difficulty has been that the EU has decided that unless we agree to their interpretation of what the checks would be , then the default position in the event of there being no agreement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of an economic barrier down the Irish Sea with tariffs . ''
The PM added : `` So what we need to do is clear up what I think is a serious anomaly in the protocol and put a safety net under it .
`` What we ca n't have is the threat of a border down the Irish Sea and the threat of the breakup of the United Kingdom . ''
The prime minister insisted there was `` still a very good chance of a Canada style ( trade ) deal '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last few months , he said , and the EU 's negotiating team has `` realised how serious we are and what we want to achieve '' .
Mr Johnson urged MPs to look at the bill carefully , and give it their `` overwhelming support '' , adding that it was about the `` political integrity of our country '' .
He also asked them not to return to the `` miserable , squabbling days of last autumn '' .
It is understood there were connection issues and the prime minister did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are planning to amend the legislation , and grandees including former party leaders Michael Howard , John Major and Theresa May have spoken out against it .
Lord Howard described the government 's admission that the proposed legislation would break international law as a `` very , very sad day '' .
The European Commission has given the UK until the end of the month to drop it .
However , the prime minister 's official spokesman said the government 's position remained that provisions within the bill were `` critical '' to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ process .
He said the UK would continue to strive for an agreement and called on the EU side to show `` more realism '' .
The bill returns to the Commons on Monday .

Senior Conservatives have refused to back down on their rebellion against Boris Johnson's controversial Brexit legislation - despite his warning that Brussels could "carve up our country" without it.
The prime minister has urged Conservative MPs to support the UK Internal Market Bill, which his government has admitted breaks international law.
Addressing about 250 MPs on Friday evening, Mr Johnson said the bill was necessary in order to avoid "an economic barrier down the Irish Sea".
It overrides parts of the EU divorce deal and has sparked fury in Brussels, which has threatened legal action over what it considers a violation of an international treaty.
Tory rebels suggested that opinions were only hardened by Mr Johnson's conference call with backbenchers and believed support was growing for their amendment to the UK Internal Market Bill.
Increasing pressure on MPs, former prime ministers Sir John Major and Tony Blair united to urge them to reject the legislation, saying it imperils the Irish peace process, trade negotiations and the UK's integrity.
The Conservative and Labour grandees wrote in the Sunday Times: "We both opposed Brexit. We both accept it is now happening. But this way of negotiating, with reason cast aside in pursuit of ideology and cavalier bombast posing as serious diplomacy, is irresponsible, wrong in principle and dangerous in practice.
"It raises questions that go far beyond the impact on Ireland, the peace process and negotiations for a trade deal - crucial though they are. It questions the very integrity of our nation."
Image: Sir John Major and Tony Blair said the government's actions were 'wrong in principle and dangerous in practice'
Conservative MP Tobias Ellwood, the chairman of the House of Commons Defence Select Committee, told Sky News the government's strategy was causing "a lot of collateral damage" and risked diminishing the UK's status as a "global role model".
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"As things go down to the wire, let's not forget who we are," Mr Ellwood said.
"Let's not forget the bigger picture.
"Rule of law is everything and to unilaterally ignore a treaty obligation would damage our hard-fought reputation as an upholder and defender of international standards and values.
"There is a lot of collateral damage being caused by this current strategy of putting this bill in its current form through the House.
"It's not about Brexit... this is about Britain being one of the founding fathers of modern democracy and international law and order."
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Mr Ellwood said he hoped Number 10 would "look carefully" at an amendment to the bill, which is being tabled by senior backbencher Sir Bob Neill.
Sir Bob, who chairs the Commons Justice Committee, has said the amendment would impose a "parliamentary lock" on any changes to the Withdrawal Agreement.
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Tory MP Sir Roger Gale also remained a vehement critic of the legislation, telling Times Radio: "If anybody is responsible, if it happens, for bringing the union down, it will be (chief aide Dominic) Cummings and Mr Johnson."
It comes after the prime minister spoke with around 250 MPs on Friday to try to drum up support for the bill, and warned them against a return to the "miserable, squabbling days of last autumn" over Brexit.
And, in an incendiary article for The Telegraph, Mr Johnson said Brussels was threatening to use an "extreme interpretation" of the Northern Ireland Protocol to impose "a full-scale trade border down the Irish Sea" that could stop the transport of food from Britain to Northern Ireland.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:23 'I'd be surprised' if Brexit bill is approved
Both Ireland and the EU have warned that Mr Johnson's plans pose a serious risk to the peace process rather than protecting the Good Friday Agreement.
But he doubled down and argued it is "crucial for peace and for the union itself" and said voting the bill down would reduce the chances of a trade deal with the EU, which is hanging in the balance.
He asked MPs to help him "remove this danger to the very fabric" of the UK by taking away "the theoretical power to carve up our country".
Sky News' chief political correspondent Jon Craig said he understood Mr Johnson's call to MPs was hit by technical problems and at one point the sound was lost.
Craig said: "It's claimed Michael Fabricant started singing Rule Britannia, (and) that Steve Baker - the hardline eurosceptic said 'Shall I take over?' - at which point the former prime minister Theresa May said 'No' in a very stern way."
Earlier, Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove claimed the EU had not been "keeping to their side of the bargain" on the Brexit deal and insisted the government had been "operating within the rule of law".
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This is despite Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis admitting to MPs earlier this week that the proposed legislation "does break international law in a very specific and limited way".
Mr Gove told Sky News: "The legal position was made clear by the attorney general - we're operating within the rule of law.
"It is the case, however, that we do have to take insurance policies.
"We hope that we don't have to implement the provisions that exist within the Internal Market Bill - but why are we bring this bill forward? Because it is part of implementing the Withdrawal Agreement and the Northern Ireland protocol.
"It's part of making sure that we can continue to have unfettered access for goods from Northern Ireland, from businesses in Northern Ireland, so they can continue to benefit from being part of the United Kingdom."
Some senior Conservatives are planning to amend the legislation, and grandees including former party leaders Michael Howard, Sir John Major and Theresa May have spoken out against it.
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European Parliament leaders have said they would "under no circumstances ratify" any trade deal reached if "UK authorities breach or threaten to breach" the Withdrawal Agreement.
The European Commission has given the UK until the end of the month to drop it.
Meanwhile, Germany's finance minister has claimed a no-deal Brexit would hurt the British economy a lot more than the EU.
Olaf Scholz said: "My assessment is that an unregulated situation would have very significant consequences for the British economy.
"Europe would be able to deal with it and there would be no particularly serious consequences after the reparations we have already made."
The bill returns to the Commons on Monday.


skynewspolitics--2020-09-11--Brexit trade deal still possible despite tumultuous week, says Downing Street

Downing Street is calling for `` more realism '' from the EU in trade negotiations but believes a post-Brexit trade deal is still possible despite a tumultuous week .
Relations between Brussels and London soured dramatically as Prime Minister Boris Johnson refused to back down over plans to override the UK 's Withdrawal Agreement .
The EU had threatened legal action against the UK and told Mr Johnson to ditch proposed legislation by the end of the month .
But the government refused to budge and claimed its UK Internal Market Bill is `` critical '' to ensuring the unfettered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rest of the UK .
Meanwhile , discussions on a future trade deal continued to stall , with both the UK and EU chief negotiators reporting there are still `` significant '' differences in key areas at the conclusion of the eighth round of negotiations this week .
However , Downing Street on Friday insisted a UK-EU trade deal could still be struck .
The prime minister 's official spokesman said : `` We have engaged constructively with the EU throughout this process .
`` We have negotiated in good faith and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We do still believe that there is a deal to be reached .
We will work hard to achieve it .
`` What we have been asking for is for more realism on the EU side about what it means for the UK to have left the EU and to once again be a sovereign nation . ''
The UK and EU will resume trade negotiations in Brussels next week , with a senior UK negotiating official describing the latest talks as `` relatively more constructive than you might expect '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ by whether we get more realism from them on the key areas of divergence , '' they said .
`` Whilst we are beginning to get discussions of substance of some issues , big important areas remain unresolved .
We will carry on talking in Brussels next week .
`` On subsidies we are asking that the EU agree with us what they have agreed with so many others in this area .
`` Despite their insistence to the contrary , on fisheries their position is still a long way from the huge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
: : Subscribe to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Following this week 's discussions , EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier called for `` more clarity '' for the UK to receive the `` third-country listing '' it needs to export animal products to the EU .
The UK negotiating team expressed surprise at the comments , with the UK currently employing EU standards .
A government spokesman said : `` The right to export is the absolute basis for a relationship @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` It is a licence to export and entirely separate from the issue of food standards .
It would be very unusual for the EU to go down this route and deny the UK listing . ''

Downing Street is calling for "more realism" from the EU in trade negotiations but believes a post-Brexit trade deal is still possible despite a tumultuous week.
Relations between Brussels and London soured dramatically as Prime Minister Boris Johnson refused to back down over plans to override the UK's Withdrawal Agreement.
The EU had threatened legal action against the UK and told Mr Johnson to ditch proposed legislation by the end of the month.
But the government refused to budge and claimed its UK Internal Market Bill is "critical" to ensuring the unfettered access for goods from Northern Ireland to the rest of the UK.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:20 UK will not scrap controversial bill - Gove
Meanwhile, discussions on a future trade deal continued to stall, with both the UK and EU chief negotiators reporting there are still "significant" differences in key areas at the conclusion of the eighth round of negotiations this week.
However, Downing Street on Friday insisted a UK-EU trade deal could still be struck.
The prime minister's official spokesman said: "We have engaged constructively with the EU throughout this process.
"We have negotiated in good faith and we will continue to do so.
"We do still believe that there is a deal to be reached. We will work hard to achieve it.
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"What we have been asking for is for more realism on the EU side about what it means for the UK to have left the EU and to once again be a sovereign nation."
The UK and EU will resume trade negotiations in Brussels next week, with a senior UK negotiating official describing the latest talks as "relatively more constructive than you might expect".
"But ultimately progress will be determined by whether we get more realism from them on the key areas of divergence," they said.
"Whilst we are beginning to get discussions of substance of some issues, big important areas remain unresolved. We will carry on talking in Brussels next week.
"On subsidies we are asking that the EU agree with us what they have agreed with so many others in this area.
"Despite their insistence to the contrary, on fisheries their position is still a long way from the huge change we need to get an agreement."
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Following this week's discussions, EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier called for "more clarity" for the UK to receive the "third-country listing" it needs to export animal products to the EU.
The UK negotiating team expressed surprise at the comments, with the UK currently employing EU standards.
A government spokesman said: "The right to export is the absolute basis for a relationship between two countries that trade agricultural goods.
"It is a licence to export and entirely separate from the issue of food standards. It would be very unusual for the EU to go down this route and deny the UK listing."


skynewspolitics--2020-09-11--PM faces growing unrest as backbenchers draw a line in the sand

Traditionally , Conservative prime ministers can be relied upon to stick to the rules internationally and free people at home from as much unnecessary state control as they can get away with .
Yet Boris Johnson finds himself facing opposition from two typically co-operative wings of his party after appearing to depart from those long-held truths .
Nobody can say the world is the same as it was a year ago .
Even without COVID-19 , Brexit would always have presented a challenge .
But in just a few short months the prime minister has moved from opposing measures to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to introducing COVID-marshals to enforce social distancing on the high-street .
And on Brexit , from approving a deal and urging his party to vote it through parliament , to breaking the law to change it - prompting fury from Conservatives in the process .
Speaking to some of those critics , particularly on Brexit , it 's clear there is no love lost for the way the EU has negotiated a future trade deal .
But just as apparent is the sense that the government lacks a strategy , or at least @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people who will be held responsible for making it happen .
One well-placed senior Tory in the House of Lords said the fear is the prime minister and his closest aides are being driven by ideological impulse and not trade strategy in pushing on with the UK Internal Market Bill .
This , they added , leads to decisions which damage the UK in the short term - even if there could be a long term gain .
Another said this was the week when they lost all hope of a deal being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on COVID-19 too , leaked stories about a Cabinet battle between senior ministers over how many people should be allowed to mix shows how thorny an issue this is for the party .
Tempers frayed in the House of Commons after Matt Hancock , the health secretary , ducked questions on tighter lockdown measures early this week before announcing them with no debate just a day later .
Mr Johnson now faces frustration from at least two sides of his own party and a planned meeting on Friday evening is unlikely to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Conservative MPs are openly criticising him without fear for the consequences , shielded by former prime ministers with years of Conservative credibility .
New MPs have had very little time with Mr Johnson , if any , and already felt far more loyal to their communities than the fate of the Conservatives in Westminster .
Those who have been around longer do n't like feeling that decisions are being made by a handpicked few with little regard for their thoughts .
In truth all this grumbling may come to very little , domestically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the House of Commons is expected on the Internal Market Bill but unless the numbers are large it wo n't be enough to bully the prime minister to change course .
What it will do is draw a line in the sand , a warning to Mr Johnson that things ca n't continue in the same way for much longer .

Traditionally, Conservative prime ministers can be relied upon to stick to the rules internationally and free people at home from as much unnecessary state control as they can get away with.
Yet Boris Johnson finds himself facing opposition from two typically co-operative wings of his party after appearing to depart from those long-held truths.
Nobody can say the world is the same as it was a year ago. Even without COVID-19, Brexit would always have presented a challenge.
But in just a few short months the prime minister has moved from opposing measures to restrict people going to the pub, to introducing COVID-marshals to enforce social distancing on the high-street.
And on Brexit, from approving a deal and urging his party to vote it through parliament, to breaking the law to change it - prompting fury from Conservatives in the process.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:23 'I'd be surprised' if Brexit bill is approved - Lord Howard
Speaking to some of those critics, particularly on Brexit, it's clear there is no love lost for the way the EU has negotiated a future trade deal.
But just as apparent is the sense that the government lacks a strategy, or at least the willingness to communicate it to the people who will be held responsible for making it happen.
One well-placed senior Tory in the House of Lords said the fear is the prime minister and his closest aides are being driven by ideological impulse and not trade strategy in pushing on with the UK Internal Market Bill.
This, they added, leads to decisions which damage the UK in the short term - even if there could be a long term gain.
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Another said this was the week when they lost all hope of a deal being done between the two sides.
And on COVID-19 too, leaked stories about a Cabinet battle between senior ministers over how many people should be allowed to mix shows how thorny an issue this is for the party.
Tempers frayed in the House of Commons after Matt Hancock, the health secretary, ducked questions on tighter lockdown measures early this week before announcing them with no debate just a day later.
Mr Johnson now faces frustration from at least two sides of his own party and a planned meeting on Friday evening is unlikely to do much to dampen it.
Normally camera-shy Conservative MPs are openly criticising him without fear for the consequences, shielded by former prime ministers with years of Conservative credibility.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:20 UK will not scrap controversial Brexit bill - Gove
New MPs have had very little time with Mr Johnson, if any, and already felt far more loyal to their communities than the fate of the Conservatives in Westminster.
Those who have been around longer don't like feeling that decisions are being made by a handpicked few with little regard for their thoughts.
In truth all this grumbling may come to very little, domestically at least.
A small rebellion in the House of Commons is expected on the Internal Market Bill but unless the numbers are large it won't be enough to bully the prime minister to change course.
What it will do is draw a line in the sand, a warning to Mr Johnson that things can't continue in the same way for much longer.


skynewspolitics--2020-09-11--Shetland Islands vote to explore independence from Scotland

Shetland Islands Council has voted overwhelmingly in favour of looking into ways of obtaining financial and political independence from Scotland .
Councillors voted 18 to two in favour of the motion seeking `` financial and political self-determination '' .
Funding cuts and centralised decision-making by the Scottish National Party ( SNP ) were argued as reasons to explore independence .
Steven Coutts , the council leader , said `` the status quo is not working '' as `` devolution and the Islands Act have not made any tangible difference to the quality of life '' .
He added that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Shetland , which has a population of 23,000 .
Plans intend to look into the option of Shetland being governed as a Crown Dependency , similar to Jersey and the Isle of Man , rather than becoming an independent nation .
This would mean they would be able to retain the revenue from oil in their waters , something that would negatively impact on Scotland 's finance if the independence was obtained .
The motion read : `` We are concerned that this ongoing situation is seriously threatening the prosperity and even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Mr Coutts added that the level of funding provided for ferries `` negatively impacts on Shetland and everyone of Shetland '' , despite government funding of more than £15m over the last three years .
Any move for independence would require an island-wide referendum .
: : Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Following the result , he said the council planned to speak to both the UK and Scottish governments next week regarding options Shetland has for achieving self-determination .
Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recognise the challenges of living in Shetland , like the high cost of living , but also the incredible opportunities political and financial self-determination could bring . ''
In response to the result of the vote , islands minister Paul Wheelhouse said neither Shetland nor any other island council submitted any requests for further powers under the Additional Powers Request ( Scotland ) Regulations introduced last year .

Shetland Islands Council has voted overwhelmingly in favour of looking into ways of obtaining financial and political independence from Scotland.
Councillors voted 18 to two in favour of the motion seeking "financial and political self-determination".
Funding cuts and centralised decision-making by the Scottish National Party (SNP) were argued as reasons to explore independence.
Steven Coutts, the council leader, said "the status quo is not working" as "devolution and the Islands Act have not made any tangible difference to the quality of life".
He added that the Scottish parliament also feels "remote" to Shetland, which has a population of 23,000.
Plans intend to look into the option of Shetland being governed as a Crown Dependency, similar to Jersey and the Isle of Man, rather than becoming an independent nation.
This would mean they would be able to retain the revenue from oil in their waters, something that would negatively impact on Scotland's finance if the independence was obtained.
The motion read: "We are concerned that this ongoing situation is seriously threatening the prosperity and even basic sustainability of Shetland as a community."
Mr Coutts added that the level of funding provided for ferries "negatively impacts on Shetland and everyone of Shetland", despite government funding of more than £15m over the last three years.
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Any move for independence would require an island-wide referendum.
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Following the result, he said the council planned to speak to both the UK and Scottish governments next week regarding options Shetland has for achieving self-determination.
Mr Coutts added: "I hope they recognise the challenges of living in Shetland, like the high cost of living, but also the incredible opportunities political and financial self-determination could bring."
In response to the result of the vote, islands minister Paul Wheelhouse said neither Shetland nor any other island council submitted any requests for further powers under the Additional Powers Request (Scotland) Regulations introduced last year.


skynewspolitics--2020-09-11--PM pleads with Tory MPs to back Brexit bill amid warning EU could 'carve up' UK

Boris Johnson has urged Conservative MPs to support Brexit-related legislation which his government has admitted breaks international law .
Addressing about 250 MPs on Friday evening , the prime minister said the controversial UK Internal Market Bill was necessary in order to avoid `` an economic barrier down the Irish Sea '' .
He added that certain clauses in it are `` absolutely vital to protecting the integrity of our country '' .
The bill overrides parts of the EU divorce deal , and has sparked fury in Brussels , which has threatened legal action over what it considers a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ controversy deepened while the call with MPs was going on , with European Parliament leaders saying they would `` under no circumstances ratify '' any trade deal reached if `` UK authorities breach or threaten to breach '' the Withdrawal Agreement .
Speaking to Sky News , Minister for the Cabinet Office Michael Gove claimed the EU had not been `` keeping to their side of the bargain '' on the Brexit deal and insisted the government had been `` operating within the rule of law '' .
That came despite Northern Ireland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this week that the proposed legislation `` does break international law in a very specific and limited way '' .
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 .
In his address , Mr Johnson said a gap had opened up between the UK and EU over Northern Ireland .
He told MPs : `` In the last few weeks I 've had a concern about a difference of opinion that is becoming stark in their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ireland protocol . ''
He continued : `` The difficulty has been that the EU has decided that unless we agree to their interpretation of what the checks would be , then the default position in the event of there being no agreement is that there should be nothing short of an economic barrier down the Irish Sea with tariffs . ''
The PM added : `` So what we need to do is clear up what I think is a serious anomaly in the protocol and put a safety net under it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the threat of a border down the Irish Sea and the threat of the breakup of the United Kingdom . ''
Writing in The Daily Telegraph on Saturday , Mr Johnson said Brussels would use an `` extreme interpretation '' of the Northern Ireland Protocol to impose `` a full-scale border down the Irish sea '' that could `` carve up our country '' and `` seriously endanger peace and stability '' in Northern Ireland .
`` I have to say that we never seriously believed that the EU would be willing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good faith , to blockade one part of the UK , to cut it off ; or that they would actually threaten to destroy the economic and territorial integrity of the UK , '' he added .
`` If we fail to pass this bill , or if we weaken its protections , then we will in fact reduce the chances of getting that Canada-style deal , '' he wrote .
`` Let 's remove this danger to the very fabric of the United Kingdom .
Let 's make the EU take their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's get this bill through , back up our negotiators , and protect our country . ''
Mr Johnson urged MPs to look at the bill carefully , asking them not to return to the `` miserable , squabbling days of last autumn '' .
It is understood there were connection issues and the prime minister did not take questions .
Some senior Conservatives are planning to amend the legislation , and grandees including former party leaders Michael Howard , John Major and Theresa May have spoken out against it .
Lord Howard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proposed legislation would break international law as a `` very , very sad day '' .
The European Commission has given the UK until the end of the month to drop it .
However , the prime minister 's official spokesman said the government 's position remained that provisions within the bill were `` critical '' to the preservation of the Northern Ireland peace process .
He said the UK would continue to strive for an agreement and called on the EU side to show `` more realism '' .
The bill returns @ @ @ @ @ @


skynewspolitics--2020-09-12--Blair and Major: PM is 'shaming' the UK with plan to override key parts of Brexit deal

Tony Blair and Sir John Major have teamed up to accuse Boris Johnson of `` shaming '' the UK by proposing legislation which undermines his own Brexit deal .
The two former prime ministers , who unsuccessfully opposed Brexit in the 2016 EU referendum , claim the PM 's UK Internal Market Bill will damage the Irish peace process and trade talks .
Their attack comes ahead of MPs debating the bill in the Commons on Monday , with Mr Johnson facing a sizeable Tory backbench rebellion and an attempt by rebel MPs to amend the bill .
In a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Sir Keir Starmer , has revealed that if the government `` fixes '' MPs ' concerns - allows amendments to the bill - then Labour is prepared to back it .
Writing in The Sunday Times , the two ex-prime ministers said : `` We both opposed Brexit .
We both accept it is now happening .
`` But this way of negotiating , with reason cast aside in pursuit of ideology and cavalier bombast posing as serious diplomacy , is irresponsible , wrong in principle and dangerous in practice .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the impact on Ireland , the peace process and negotiations for a trade deal - crucial though they are .
It questions the very integrity of our nation .
`` As the world looks on aghast at the UK - the word of which was once accepted as inviolable - this government 's action is shaming itself and embarrassing our nation . ''
Mr Blair and Sir John , who admitted that when they opposed Brexit in 2016 they were dismissed as `` out of touch and out of time has-beens '' , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We have become so inured to the unending Brexit saga of misinformation and misdirection that the hollow claims , empty promises and emptier threats have lost their power to shock , '' they wrote .
`` Yet what is being proposed now is shocking .
How can it be compatible with the codes of conduct that bind ministers , law officers and civil servants deliberately to break treaty obligations ?
`` As we negotiate new trade treaties , how do we salvage credibility as `` global Britain '' if we so blatantly disregard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
`` The government seeks to do so by the extraordinary pretence that breaking international law is necessary to 'save the Good Friday agreement ' , which has given us peace in Northern Ireland for more than two decades and utterly changed the relationship between the UK and its nearest neighbour , the Republic of Ireland .
`` We disagree .
The government 's action does not protect the Good Friday agreement - it imperils it . ''
The attack is unlikely to trouble Mr Johnson and his inner circle of Brexiteers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ John and Mr Blair 's views were rejected by voters in the referendum .
Of more concern to the prime minister is the opposition from Conservative MPs and support for an amendment to the bill which attempts to give parliament a veto on moves to change the EU Withdrawal Agreement .
Writing in The Sunday Telegraph , Sir Keir accused the prime minister of turning back the clock and reigniting old rows and urged him : `` We should be getting on with defeating this virus , not banging on about Europe .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus .
That should be the government 's mantra .
Labour is prepared to play its part in making that happen .
`` If the government fixes the substantial cross-party concerns that have been raised about the Internal Market Bill , then we are prepared to back it .
`` But if they do not , and the talks collapse , then it is their failure and incompetence that will have let the British people down . ''
Sir Keir also wrote : `` I am not blind to the fact this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ negotiating strategy in the final weeks of talks .
`` However , the decision to propose a bill last week that would break an international agreement we signed a matter of months ago is wrong .
`` Many former leaders of the Conservative Party have spoken out to say so .
And I suspect the prime minister agrees with them and knows his actions are counterproductive .
: : Subscribe to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' First , public trust has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ promised would be done is now being reopened .
The divisions within the Conservative Party are being reignited .
`` And at a time when we are all doing everything we can do to follow social distancing rules , ministers are on the television and radio justifying why it is ok for them to break international law .
It is as ludicrous as it is frustrating .
`` We have broken the trust of our global partners too .
I believe we can be a proud nation on the world stage and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can work with our international partners to strike the best possible trade deals .
But , the prime minister risks holding Global Britain back .
How can we get the best trade deals when we can not be trusted to keep our word ? ''

Tony Blair and Sir John Major have teamed up to accuse Boris Johnson of "shaming" the UK by proposing legislation which undermines his own Brexit deal.
The two former prime ministers, who unsuccessfully opposed Brexit in the 2016 EU referendum, claim the PM's UK Internal Market Bill will damage the Irish peace process and trade talks.
Their attack comes ahead of MPs debating the bill in the Commons on Monday, with Mr Johnson facing a sizeable Tory backbench rebellion and an attempt by rebel MPs to amend the bill.
In a highly significant intervention, the Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer, has revealed that if the government "fixes" MPs' concerns - allows amendments to the bill - then Labour is prepared to back it.
Writing in The Sunday Times, the two ex-prime ministers said: "We both opposed Brexit. We both accept it is now happening.
"But this way of negotiating, with reason cast aside in pursuit of ideology and cavalier bombast posing as serious diplomacy, is irresponsible, wrong in principle and dangerous in practice.
"It raises questions that go far beyond the impact on Ireland, the peace process and negotiations for a trade deal - crucial though they are. It questions the very integrity of our nation.
"As the world looks on aghast at the UK - the word of which was once accepted as inviolable - this government's action is shaming itself and embarrassing our nation."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:24 Ex-prime ministers call on the PM to drop his Brexit bill
Mr Blair and Sir John, who admitted that when they opposed Brexit in 2016 they were dismissed as "out of touch and out of time has-beens", bitterly attacked Mr Johnson personally.
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"We have become so inured to the unending Brexit saga of misinformation and misdirection that the hollow claims, empty promises and emptier threats have lost their power to shock," they wrote.
"Yet what is being proposed now is shocking. How can it be compatible with the codes of conduct that bind ministers, law officers and civil servants deliberately to break treaty obligations?
"As we negotiate new trade treaties, how do we salvage credibility as "global Britain" if we so blatantly disregard our commitments the moment we sign them?
"The government seeks to do so by the extraordinary pretence that breaking international law is necessary to 'save the Good Friday agreement', which has given us peace in Northern Ireland for more than two decades and utterly changed the relationship between the UK and its nearest neighbour, the Republic of Ireland.
"We disagree. The government's action does not protect the Good Friday agreement - it imperils it."
Responding to their comments, former justice minister David Gauke told Sky News that he thinks the bill is "clearly a breach of international law".
He said: "It will make it harder for other countries, not just the EU, but around the world, to trust the UK in future, and that is not good news for the country.
Image: David Gauke has told Sky News the bill is 'clearly a breach of international law'
"And we will be diminished as a consequence, and actually British public will pay a price for that, because if we can't get deals, if our word can't be trusted, then it will be harder for us to engage with the rest of the world.
"It also poisons the negotiations with the EU, it makes it harder for us to reach a deal before the end of this year, which will be very bad news for the country."
He added: "The government had admitted that it's a breach of international law. International law is law, and is therefore undermining the rule of law.
"Either he (Boris Johnson) failed to understand what he had signed, or he signed something in bad faith with the intention of ripping up his agreement it's one or the other. Frankly either is plausible, but it either suggests mendacity or incompetence."
Mr Gauke said he believed it would get through the House of Commons, but not the House of Lords.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:24 Michael Gove: UK will not scrap controversial Brexit bill
Tony Blair and Sir John Major's attack is unlikely to trouble Mr Johnson and his inner circle of Brexiteers, however, who will argue that the former prime minister's views were rejected by voters in the referendum.
Of more concern to the prime minister is the opposition from Conservative MPs and support for an amendment to the bill which attempts to give parliament a veto on moves to change the EU Withdrawal Agreement.
Writing in The Sunday Telegraph, Sir Keir accused the prime minister of turning back the clock and reigniting old rows and urged him: "We should be getting on with defeating this virus, not banging on about Europe.
"Get on with Brexit and defeat the virus. That should be the government's mantra. Labour is prepared to play its part in making that happen.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:37 Bill aimed at modifying Brexit deal revealed
"If the government fixes the substantial cross-party concerns that have been raised about the Internal Market Bill, then we are prepared to back it.
"But if they do not, and the talks collapse, then it is their failure and incompetence that will have let the British people down."
Sir Keir also wrote: "I am not blind to the fact this could be part of the government's negotiating strategy in the final weeks of talks.
"However, the decision to propose a bill last week that would break an international agreement we signed a matter of months ago is wrong.
"Many former leaders of the Conservative Party have spoken out to say so. And I suspect the prime minister agrees with them and knows his actions are counterproductive.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Subscribe to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
"First, public trust has been broken. The deal the prime minister promised would be done is now being reopened. The divisions within the Conservative Party are being reignited.
"And at a time when we are all doing everything we can do to follow social distancing rules, ministers are on the television and radio justifying why it is ok for them to break international law. It is as ludicrous as it is frustrating.
"We have broken the trust of our global partners too. I believe we can be a proud nation on the world stage and a moral force for good.
"We can work with our international partners to strike the best possible trade deals. But, the prime minister risks holding Global Britain back. How can we get the best trade deals when we cannot be trusted to keep our word?".


skynewspolitics--2020-09-11--PM fails to win over Tory rebels angered by Brexit legislation 'that breaks international law'

Senior Conservatives have refused to back down on their rebellion against Boris Johnson 's controversial Brexit legislation - despite his warning that Brussels could `` carve up our country '' without it .
The prime minister has urged Conservative MPs to support the UK Internal Market Bill , which his government has admitted breaks international law .
Addressing about 250 MPs on Friday evening , Mr Johnson said the bill was necessary in order to avoid `` an economic barrier down the Irish Sea '' .
It overrides parts of the EU divorce deal and has sparked fury in Brussels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what it considers a violation of an international treaty .
Tory rebels suggested that opinions were only hardened by Mr Johnson 's conference call with backbenchers and believed support was growing for their amendment to the UK Internal Market Bill .
Increasing pressure on MPs , former prime ministers Sir John Major and Tony Blair united to urge them to reject the legislation , saying it imperils the Irish peace process , trade negotiations and the UK 's integrity .
The Conservative and Labour grandees wrote in the Sunday Times : `` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is now happening .
But this way of negotiating , with reason cast aside in pursuit of ideology and cavalier bombast posing as serious diplomacy , is irresponsible , wrong in principle and dangerous in practice .
`` It raises questions that go far beyond the impact on Ireland , the peace process and negotiations for a trade deal - crucial though they are .
It questions the very integrity of our nation . ''
Conservative MP Tobias Ellwood , the chairman of the House of Commons Defence Select Committee , told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ causing `` a lot of collateral damage '' and risked diminishing the UK 's status as a `` global role model '' .
`` As things go down to the wire , let 's not forget who we are , '' Mr Ellwood said .
`` Rule of law is everything and to unilaterally ignore a treaty obligation would damage our hard-fought reputation as an upholder and defender of international standards and values .
`` There is a lot of collateral damage being caused by this current strategy of putting this bill in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` It 's not about Brexit ... this is about Britain being one of the founding fathers of modern democracy and international law and order . ''
Mr Ellwood said he hoped Number 10 would `` look carefully '' at an amendment to the bill , which is being tabled by senior backbencher Sir Bob Neill .
Sir Bob , who chairs the Commons Justice Committee , has said the amendment would impose a `` parliamentary lock '' on any changes to the Withdrawal Agreement .
Tory MP Sir Roger Gale also remained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ telling Times Radio : `` If anybody is responsible , if it happens , for bringing the union down , it will be ( chief aide Dominic ) Cummings and Mr Johnson . ''
It comes after the prime minister spoke with around 250 MPs on Friday to try to drum up support for the bill , and warned them against a return to the `` miserable , squabbling days of last autumn '' over Brexit .
And , in an incendiary article for The Telegraph , Mr Johnson said Brussels was threatening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Northern Ireland Protocol to impose `` a full-scale trade border down the Irish Sea '' that could stop the transport of food from Britain to Northern Ireland .
Both Ireland and the EU have warned that Mr Johnson 's plans pose a serious risk to the peace process rather than protecting the Good Friday Agreement .
But he doubled down and argued it is `` crucial for peace and for the union itself '' and said voting the bill down would reduce the chances of a trade deal with the EU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He asked MPs to help him `` remove this danger to the very fabric '' of the UK by taking away `` the theoretical power to carve up our country '' .
Sky News ' chief political correspondent Jon Craig said he understood Mr Johnson 's call to MPs was hit by technical problems and at one point the sound was lost .
Craig said : `` It 's claimed Michael Fabricant started singing Rule Britannia , ( and ) that Steve Baker - the hardline eurosceptic said 'Shall I take over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ former prime minister Theresa May said 'No ' in a very stern way . ''
Earlier , Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove claimed the EU had not been `` keeping to their side of the bargain '' on the Brexit deal and insisted the government had been `` operating within the rule of law '' .
This is despite Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis admitting to MPs earlier this week that the proposed legislation `` does break international law in a very specific and limited way '' .
Mr Gove told Sky News @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clear by the attorney general - we 're operating within the rule of law .
`` It is the case , however , that we do have to take insurance policies .
`` We hope that we do n't have to implement the provisions that exist within the Internal Market Bill - but why are we bring this bill forward ?
Because it is part of implementing the Withdrawal Agreement and the Northern Ireland protocol .
`` It 's part of making sure that we can continue to have unfettered access for goods @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Northern Ireland , so they can continue to benefit from being part of the United Kingdom . ''
Some senior Conservatives are planning to amend the legislation , and grandees including former party leaders Michael Howard , Sir John Major and Theresa May have spoken out against it .
: : Subscribe to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker European Parliament leaders have said they would `` under no circumstances ratify '' any trade deal reached if `` UK authorities breach or threaten to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ European Commission has given the UK until the end of the month to drop it .
Meanwhile , Germany 's finance minister has claimed a no-deal Brexit would hurt the British economy a lot more than the EU .
Olaf Scholz said : `` My assessment is that an unregulated situation would have very significant consequences for the British economy .
`` Europe would be able to deal with it and there would be no particularly serious consequences after the reparations we have already made . ''
The bill returns to the Commons @ @ @


skynewspolitics--2020-09-12--'Blood on their hands': NHS workers demand pay rise and threaten strikes at protest

NHS staff who risked their lives during the coronavirus pandemic are demanding a pay rise and threatening strikes despite warnings of a second wave .
Nurses and other healthcare workers are demanding a 15 % pay rise to reflect the contributions they made and to make up for `` years of pay erosion '' .
Hundreds marched through central London on Saturday following a two-minute silence to remember the 640 healthcare workers who died of COVID-19 .
Dressed in scrubs smeared in fake blood , they waved placards that read `` blood on their hands '' , `` stop clapping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but penniless '' .
David Carr , a critical care nurse at St Thomas ' hospital where Boris Johnson was treated for the virus , told Sky News : `` I 'm not a warrior , I 'm not a soldier , I do n't come to work expecting to die .
`` During lockdown , when these streets were completely empty , when everyone else was working from home , I was going to work , wrapping myself in PPE and looking after your loved ones .
`` We ca n't afford @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're on .
`` Considering what we 've done during COVID , given how we worked , given that 640 of us gave our lives to fight this pandemic , we think it 's an absolute outrage . ''
The protest comes after nurses were left out of a government pay rise thanking 900,000 public sector workers for their contributions during the coronavirus outbreak .
The pay increase does not apply to junior doctors after they agreed a four-year deal last year .
Amid warnings of a second wave of the virus after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said his colleagues are prepared to strike .
He said : `` If we do n't get a pay rise , we will strike . ''
A & E nurse Ameera Sheikh added : `` The government is liable for the 640 health workers who have died .
`` The reckless decision making , the ignorance - they are liable for all these deaths . ''
She said that despite working longer hours to treat COVID patients at the height of the pandemic , there was no increase in staff pay .
Alia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Essex and chair of Nurses Staff Voices , said : `` We have simply had enough .
`` The money is there .
They are simply just not providing it to NHS staff .
The government clearly has not got a clue about what it is doing and that is very scary .
Nurses saved the lives of the prime minister .
What more do we need to do to get paid properly ? ''
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said it is `` grateful '' for the `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff .
They said : `` NHS staff are currently benefiting from the final year of a three-year pay deal , which has delivered year-on-year pay increases , such as increasing the starting salary for a newly qualified nurse by 12 % by 2021 .
`` The independent NHS pay review body makes recommendations to government on pay increases for NHS staff , including nurses , and we will consider their advice when we receive it , while continuing to listen to our valued staff and the trade unions to ensure everyone is @ @ @ @

NHS staff who risked their lives during the coronavirus pandemic are demanding a pay rise and threatening strikes despite warnings of a second wave.
Nurses and other healthcare workers are demanding a 15% pay rise to reflect the contributions they made and to make up for "years of pay erosion".
Hundreds marched through central London on Saturday following a two-minute silence to remember the 640 healthcare workers who died of COVID-19.
Dressed in scrubs smeared in fake blood, they waved placards that read "blood on their hands", "stop clapping, start paying" and "priceless but penniless".
Image: Placards read 'blood on their hands' and 'priceless but penniless'
David Carr, a critical care nurse at St Thomas' hospital where Boris Johnson was treated for the virus, told Sky News: "I'm not a warrior, I'm not a soldier, I don't come to work expecting to die.
"During lockdown, when these streets were completely empty, when everyone else was working from home, I was going to work, wrapping myself in PPE and looking after your loved ones.
"We can't afford to live on the salaries that we're on.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:45 NHS workers take to streets demanding pay rise
"Considering what we've done during COVID, given how we worked, given that 640 of us gave our lives to fight this pandemic, we think it's an absolute outrage."
The protest comes after nurses were left out of a government pay rise thanking 900,000 public sector workers for their contributions during the coronavirus outbreak.
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The pay increase does not apply to junior doctors after they agreed a four-year deal last year.
Image: Nurses were left out of a pay rise for 900,000 public sector workers in July
Amid warnings of a second wave of the virus after a spike in cases, Mr Carr said his colleagues are prepared to strike.
He said: "If we don't get a pay rise, we will strike."
A&E nurse Ameera Sheikh added: "The government is liable for the 640 health workers who have died.
"The reckless decision making, the ignorance - they are liable for all these deaths."
Image: A two-minute silence was held to remember the 640 healthcare workers who have died of COVID-19
She said that despite working longer hours to treat COVID patients at the height of the pandemic, there was no increase in staff pay.
Alia Butt, 33, an NHS psychotherapist in Essex and chair of Nurses Staff Voices, said: "We have simply had enough.
"The money is there. They are simply just not providing it to NHS staff. The government clearly has not got a clue about what it is doing and that is very scary. Nurses saved the lives of the prime minister. What more do we need to do to get paid properly?"
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said it is "grateful" for the "hard worker and dedication" shown by staff.
They said: "NHS staff are currently benefiting from the final year of a three-year pay deal, which has delivered year-on-year pay increases, such as increasing the starting salary for a newly qualified nurse by 12% by 2021.
"The independent NHS pay review body makes recommendations to government on pay increases for NHS staff, including nurses, and we will consider their advice when we receive it, while continuing to listen to our valued staff and the trade unions to ensure everyone is rewarded fairly."


skynewspolitics--2020-09-13--Controversial Brexit bill has 'damaged trust' between Britain and EU

Boris Johnson 's Brexit proposals have `` damaged trust '' and set back talks on a trade deal with the EU , an Irish minister has told Sky News .
The backlash to the prime minister 's Internal Market Bill is continuing , with former prime ministers Sir John Major and Tony Blair joining the chorus of criticism .
The government has admitted the Brexit bill , which will be debated by MPs this coming week amid a possible Tory rebellion , breaks international law .
It overrides parts of the EU divorce deal and has sparked fury in Brussels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what it considers a violation of an international treaty .
But Mr Johnson has argued the legislation is necessary to avoid `` an economic barrier down the Irish Sea '' , while Downing Street maintains a trade agreement can still be struck .
Michel Barnier , the EU 's Brexit negotiator , has said the Northern Ireland protocol element of the withdrawal agreement `` is not a threat to the integrity of the UK '' .
He also denied that Brussels is refusing to list the UK as a third country for food @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's chief negotiator , responded by saying he wanted to `` state a few facts '' .
He wrote on Twitter that the EU `` knows perfectly well '' the situation on food standards rules and said it gives dozens of countries third-party listing `` without any sort of commitment about the future '' .
`` Yet it has been made clear to us in the current talks that there is no guarantee of listing us .
I am afraid it has also been said to us explicitly in these talks that if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be able to move food to Northern Ireland , '' he wrote .
`` The EU 's position is that listing is needed for Great Britain only , not Northern Ireland .
So if GB were not listed , it would be automatically illegal for NI to import food products from GB . ''
Ireland 's justice secretary Helen McEntee told Sky 's Sophy Ridge on Sunday that events this week have `` certainly set us back '' .
She said the push from Mr Johnson to override parts of the Brexit deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` damaged trust '' .
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' It 's caused a lot of confusion .
I think it has , in some way , damaged trust between both sides , '' Ms McEntee told Sky News .
`` It 's very difficult to see how you can negotiate a free trade agreement when what has already been agreed is being proposed to be breached less than nine months later . ''
Irish prime minister Micheal Martin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` decent free trade deal '' and does not think the British government wants the `` ruinous '' consequences of failure .
In an interview with broadcaster RTE , he described Mr Johnson 's actions in recent days as a `` ploy '' , adding that his opposite number `` knows well '' that the EU is not trying to break up the UK .
But Justice Secretary Robert Buckland defended the prime minister 's strategy , saying : `` This is n't something we do lightly , this is n't something that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is something that a responsible government does in order to prepare for the worst .
`` But can I reiterate our steely determination to get a deal . ''
Mr Buckland twice avoided the question when asked if he would resign if the government does not abide by the rule of law .
He also claimed that what the PM was proposing was in accordance with `` the most honourable traditions of the British state '' which he said was to `` alert everyone to a possibility of a problem , to actually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
Mr Buckland rejected comparisons between the government 's plans and breaking criminal law , describing them as `` wholly misplaced '' .
`` What we 're talking about here is intricate international law arrangements , '' he said .
`` I can reassure the Irish government I can reassure all friends in Europe that all we 're seeking to do is prepare the ground domestically if things are not resolved . ''
The justice secretary later told the BBC 's Andrew Marr Show that `` if I see the rule of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ find unacceptable then of course I will go '' .
But he added : `` I do n't believe we 're going to get to that stage . ''
Northern Ireland 's Democratic Unionist Party has confirmed it will seek to amend the legislation to make sure the UK can set rules on state aid there .
Under the Northern Ireland Protocol , EU state aid rules will apply to commerce .
State aid means a government can not subside a product in order for it to be sold more cheaply in other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shadow Northern Ireland Secretary Louise Haigh said the legislation was `` seriously undermining and jeopardising '' the chances of a trade deal with the EU .
She told Sophy Ridge on Sunday : `` This is the last thing the country needs right now .
`` As we 're attempting to respond to COVID and cope with economic recovery , what we need is a deal with the European Union that protects our trading relationship , protects businesses , protects jobs and protects jobs in Northern Ireland . ''

Boris Johnson's Brexit proposals have "damaged trust" and set back talks on a trade deal with the EU, an Irish minister has told Sky News.
The backlash to the prime minister's Internal Market Bill is continuing, with former prime ministers Sir John Major and Tony Blair joining the chorus of criticism.
The government has admitted the Brexit bill, which will be debated by MPs this coming week amid a possible Tory rebellion, breaks international law.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:09 Justice secretary defends PM's Brexit strategy
It overrides parts of the EU divorce deal and has sparked fury in Brussels, which has threatened legal action over what it considers a violation of an international treaty.
But Mr Johnson has argued the legislation is necessary to avoid "an economic barrier down the Irish Sea", while Downing Street maintains a trade agreement can still be struck.
Michel Barnier, the EU's Brexit negotiator, has said the Northern Ireland protocol element of the withdrawal agreement "is not a threat to the integrity of the UK".
He also denied that Brussels is refusing to list the UK as a third country for food imports.
Lord Frost, the UK's chief negotiator, responded by saying he wanted to "state a few facts".
He wrote on Twitter that the EU "knows perfectly well" the situation on food standards rules and said it gives dozens of countries third-party listing "without any sort of commitment about the future".
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"Yet it has been made clear to us in the current talks that there is no guarantee of listing us. I am afraid it has also been said to us explicitly in these talks that if we are not listed we will not be able to move food to Northern Ireland," he wrote.
"The EU's position is that listing is needed for Great Britain only, not Northern Ireland. So if GB were not listed, it would be automatically illegal for NI to import food products from GB."
Ireland's justice secretary Helen McEntee told Sky's Sophy Ridge on Sunday that events this week have "certainly set us back".
She said the push from Mr Johnson to override parts of the Brexit deal he negotiated with Brussels last year has "damaged trust".
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:: Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
"It's caused a lot of confusion. I think it has, in some way, damaged trust between both sides," Ms McEntee told Sky News.
"It's very difficult to see how you can negotiate a free trade agreement when what has already been agreed is being proposed to be breached less than nine months later."
Irish prime minister Micheal Martin said Dublin was focused on achieving a "decent free trade deal" and does not think the British government wants the "ruinous" consequences of failure.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:02 PM's Brexit plans will 'damage' UK reputation
In an interview with broadcaster RTE, he described Mr Johnson's actions in recent days as a "ploy", adding that his opposite number "knows well" that the EU is not trying to break up the UK.
But Justice Secretary Robert Buckland defended the prime minister's strategy, saying: "This isn't something we do lightly, this isn't something that we actually want to use, this is something that a responsible government does in order to prepare for the worst.
"But can I reiterate our steely determination to get a deal."
Mr Buckland twice avoided the question when asked if he would resign if the government does not abide by the rule of law.
He also claimed that what the PM was proposing was in accordance with "the most honourable traditions of the British state" which he said was to "alert everyone to a possibility of a problem, to actually legislate to prepare ourselves domestically for that".
Mr Buckland rejected comparisons between the government's plans and breaking criminal law, describing them as "wholly misplaced".
"What we're talking about here is intricate international law arrangements," he said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:26 PM faces backbench rebellion over Brexit deal
"I can reassure the Irish government I can reassure all friends in Europe that all we're seeking to do is prepare the ground domestically if things are not resolved."
The justice secretary later told the BBC's Andrew Marr Show that "if I see the rule of law being broken in a way I find unacceptable then of course I will go".
But he added: "I don't believe we're going to get to that stage."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:57 Gove on Brexit: 'We operate within rule of law'
Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party has confirmed it will seek to amend the legislation to make sure the UK can set rules on state aid there.
Under the Northern Ireland Protocol, EU state aid rules will apply to commerce.
State aid means a government cannot subside a product in order for it to be sold more cheaply in other parts of the bloc.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 9:20 'Govt are undermining a free trade agreement'
Labour's shadow Northern Ireland Secretary Louise Haigh said the legislation was "seriously undermining and jeopardising" the chances of a trade deal with the EU.
She told Sophy Ridge on Sunday: "This is the last thing the country needs right now.
"As we're attempting to respond to COVID and cope with economic recovery, what we need is a deal with the European Union that protects our trading relationship, protects businesses, protects jobs and protects jobs in Northern Ireland."


skynewspolitics--2020-09-13--'For the birds': Minister dismisses reports UK wants to opt out of human rights laws

The justice secretary has dismissed reports that the government wants to try and opt out of the European Convention on Human Rights , amid heavy criticism from opposition parties .
Robert Buckland , who earlier defended the prime minister 's Brexit strategy in a Sky News interview , said such suggestions are `` for the birds '' .
In an interview with Times Radio , he said leaving the convention would be `` wholly wrong '' and that ministers should focus on streamlining domestic laws instead .
The ECHR is a landmark treaty that was devised in the wake of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is to safeguard the civil and political rights of EU citizens .
But the Sunday Telegraph reported that Boris Johnson is preparing to withdraw from major parts of European human rights laws in order to ease migrant deportation cases .
Asked about this , Mr Buckland said : `` The idea that we 're going to leave the convention is for the birds .
`` You know , it was British Conservative lawyers who wrote the damn thing back in 1950 .
`` We wrote it because we were leaders of Europe when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to underline the importance of fundamental rights and freedoms back then and that frankly for me is hugely important .
`` It is a badge of honour for this country that we did that . ''
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker He added : `` I do think that rather than focusing on the European convention we should be focusing on our own domestic laws and working out where perhaps we 've gold-plated laws a bit too much in what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rather than criticising the convention itself .
`` Let 's see what we can do at home to streamline our laws and make them more responsive rather than suggesting that we should withdraw from the convention .
`` That would be wholly wrong in my opinion . ''
The reports sparked a political backlash , with Labour 's shadow justice secretary David Lammy saying : `` Instead of giving unattributed briefings designed to distract , the government should focus on getting a Brexit deal and defeating the virus .
`` Any attempt to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Britain less secure and hold our country back on the world stage . ''
Liberal Democrat justice spokesperson Wera Hobhouse said the government 's `` attacks on the rule of law must stop '' .
`` The Human Rights Act does not stop us deporting serious criminals , '' she said .
`` Threatening to weaken people 's ability to challenge the government just because the courts sometimes rule against you is the act of dictators and despots , not democrats .
`` With these plans , Boris Johnson and Dominic Cummings are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ roughshod over people 's rights and allow ministers to break the law with impunity . ''

The justice secretary has dismissed reports that the government wants to try and opt out of the European Convention on Human Rights, amid heavy criticism from opposition parties.
Robert Buckland, who earlier defended the prime minister's Brexit strategy in a Sky News interview, said such suggestions are "for the birds".
In an interview with Times Radio, he said leaving the convention would be "wholly wrong" and that ministers should focus on streamlining domestic laws instead.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:09 Justice sec defends PM's Brexit strategy
The ECHR is a landmark treaty that was devised in the wake of the Second World War.
Its aim is to safeguard the civil and political rights of EU citizens.
But the Sunday Telegraph reported that Boris Johnson is preparing to withdraw from major parts of European human rights laws in order to ease migrant deportation cases.
Asked about this, Mr Buckland said: "The idea that we're going to leave the convention is for the birds.
"You know, it was British Conservative lawyers who wrote the damn thing back in 1950.
"We wrote it because we were leaders of Europe when it came to freedom, we wanted to underline the importance of fundamental rights and freedoms back then and that frankly for me is hugely important.
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"It is a badge of honour for this country that we did that."
:: Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
He added: "I do think that rather than focusing on the European convention we should be focusing on our own domestic laws and working out where perhaps we've gold-plated laws a bit too much in what is often an English Law tradition, rather than criticising the convention itself.
"Let's see what we can do at home to streamline our laws and make them more responsive rather than suggesting that we should withdraw from the convention.
"That would be wholly wrong in my opinion."
The reports sparked a political backlash, with Labour's shadow justice secretary David Lammy saying: "Instead of giving unattributed briefings designed to distract, the government should focus on getting a Brexit deal and defeating the virus.
"Any attempt to abandon human rights would make life in Britain less secure and hold our country back on the world stage."
Image: Labour's David Lammy said the government should 'focus on getting a Brexit deal and defeating the virus'
Liberal Democrat justice spokesperson Wera Hobhouse said the government's "attacks on the rule of law must stop".
"The Human Rights Act does not stop us deporting serious criminals," she said.
"Threatening to weaken people's ability to challenge the government just because the courts sometimes rule against you is the act of dictators and despots, not democrats.
"With these plans, Boris Johnson and Dominic Cummings are trying to enable the government to run roughshod over people's rights and allow ministers to break the law with impunity."


skynewspolitics--2020-09-13--Ex-law chief joins Brexit rebellion and hits out at PM's 'unconscionable' plan

Boris Johnson has been hit by a devastating attack from a former loyal ally as he embarks on bruising Commons clashes on a bitterly contentious piece of Brexit legislation .
In a huge boost for rebel Tory MPs , Geoffrey Cox , the prime minister 's pro-Brexit attorney general until February this year , has condemned the move to override Mr Johnson 's Brexit deal .
`` It is unconscionable that this country , justly famous for its regard for the rule of law around the world , should act in such a way , '' Mr Cox wrote in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Times .
And in what appears to be a highly personal attack on Mr Johnson , he wrote : `` No British minister should solemnly undertake to observe treaty obligations with his fingers crossed behind his back . ''
Mr Cox 's attack came just hours before MPs begin debating the government 's controversial Internal Market Bill , which has been condemned by former prime ministers and leading Tory Brexiteers .
The legislation is under attack because it overrides parts of the EU divorce settlement negotiated by Mr Johnson , who described @ @ @ @ @ @ @ oven ready '' when he did the deal .
But an attack from such a senior legal figure is particularly damaging , coming just hours after the Justice Secretary , Robert Buckland , defended the legislation and said he would only resign if the law was broken in a way he found unacceptable .
Mr Cox 's onslaught also followed his successor as attorney general , fellow Brexiteer Suella Braverman , facing accusations at a stormy meeting of the Bar Council , the professional association for barristers , of sacrificing the UK 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the headline `` Honour rests on keeping our word '' , Mr Cox wrote : `` When the Queen 's minister gives his word , on her behalf , it should be axiomatic that he will keep it , even if the consequences are unpalatable .
`` By doing so he pledges the faith , honour and credit of this nation and it diminishes the standing and reputation of Britain in the world if it should be seen to be otherwise .
`` The Withdrawal Agreement and its attendant Northern Ireland Protocol represent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the government , in which I had the honour to serve as attorney general , gave its solemn and binding word .
`` It is , therefore , obliged to accept all the ordinary and foreseeable consequences of the implementation of that agreement .
`` Those manifest consequences included the inevitable application of EU tariffs and customs procedures to certain goods entering Northern Ireland from Great Britain and of the EU 's state aid regime to the province .
`` There can be no doubt that these were the known , unpalatable but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They included a duty to interpret and execute both the agreement and the protocol in good faith . ''
And he concluded : `` What ministers should not do , however provoked or frustrated they may feel , is to take or use powers permanently and unilaterally to rewrite portions of an agreement into which this country freely entered just a few months ago .
`` Therefore , if the government does not urgently and effectively dispel the impression that it intends to do so , I shall have no choice but to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I am a strong supporter of this government and of Brexit and I am deeply saddened to have to say this .
`` We , the British government and parliament , have given our word .
Our honour , our credibility , our self-respect and our future influence in the world all rest upon us keeping that word .
Nothing less is worthy of Britain . ''
A Tory MP since 2005 , Mr Cox is one of Westminster 's most flamboyant MPs , known for his booming voice in the Commons chamber @ @ @ @ @ @ @ May at the 2018 Tory conference .
His dramatic intervention will embolden those Tory MPs who claim the bill rips up Mr Johnson 's own Brexit Withdrawal Agreement , despite government ministers insisting it is simply a `` safety net '' or `` insurance policy '' .
Coming at the start of a week in which Commons business will be dominated by debates on the Internal Market Bill , Mr Cox 's assault is likely to swell the numbers of Conservative rebels and be quoted at length by the bill 's opponents .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johnson has been attacked by former premiers Theresa May , Tony Blair and Sir John Major and leading Tory Brexiteers Lord Howard and Lord Lamont .
Day one of the Commons clashes sees MPs debate the bill at its second reading , with votes at 10pm on whether it continues to line-by-line scrutiny in a four-day committee stage .
Labour and the smaller parties , including the Scottish National Party and Liberal Democrats , have tabled amendments declining to give the bill a second reading , though it is likely only Labour 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subscribe to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Labour 's amendment states : `` This bill undermines the Withdrawal Agreement already agreed by parliament , reopens discussion about the Northern Ireland Protocol that has already been settled , breaches international law , undermines the devolution settlements and would tarnish the UK 's global reputation as a law-abiding nation and the UK 's ability to enforce other international trade deals and protect jobs and the economy . ''
The smaller parties ' amendment states : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ second reading to the United Kingdom Internal Market Bill because it breaks international law and is contrary to the established devolution settlement . ''
During the Commons committee stage , the government faces numerous attempts to amend the bill , including a move by senior Tory MPs led by barrister Sir Bob Neill , who chairs the Justice Select Committee , to add a `` parliamentary lock '' - effectively a veto - on any changes to the Withdrawal Agreement .
And after the attacks on the bill already by pro-Brexit grandees Lord @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is also likely to be mauled by Conservative as well as opposition and crossbench peers in the House of Lords .

Boris Johnson has been hit by a devastating attack from a former loyal ally as he embarks on bruising Commons clashes on a bitterly contentious piece of Brexit legislation.
In a huge boost for rebel Tory MPs, Geoffrey Cox, the prime minister's pro-Brexit attorney general until February this year, has condemned the move to override Mr Johnson's Brexit deal.
"It is unconscionable that this country, justly famous for its regard for the rule of law around the world, should act in such a way," Mr Cox wrote in a wounding attack on Mr Johnson in The Times.
And in what appears to be a highly personal attack on Mr Johnson, he wrote: "No British minister should solemnly undertake to observe treaty obligations with his fingers crossed behind his back."
Mr Cox's attack came just hours before MPs begin debating the government's controversial Internal Market Bill, which has been condemned by former prime ministers and leading Tory Brexiteers.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:09 Justice sec defends PM's Brexit strategy
The legislation is under attack because it overrides parts of the EU divorce settlement negotiated by Mr Johnson, who described it as "fantastic" and "oven ready" when he did the deal.
But an attack from such a senior legal figure is particularly damaging, coming just hours after the Justice Secretary, Robert Buckland, defended the legislation and said he would only resign if the law was broken in a way he found unacceptable.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:39 Brexit proposals 'damaged trust' - Irish minister
Mr Cox's onslaught also followed his successor as attorney general, fellow Brexiteer Suella Braverman, facing accusations at a stormy meeting of the Bar Council, the professional association for barristers, of sacrificing the UK's reputation.
In his Times article under the headline "Honour rests on keeping our word", Mr Cox wrote: "When the Queen's minister gives his word, on her behalf, it should be axiomatic that he will keep it, even if the consequences are unpalatable.
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"By doing so he pledges the faith, honour and credit of this nation and it diminishes the standing and reputation of Britain in the world if it should be seen to be otherwise.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:57 Gove on Brexit: 'We operate within rule of law'
"The Withdrawal Agreement and its attendant Northern Ireland Protocol represent treaty obligations of this country to which the government, in which I had the honour to serve as attorney general, gave its solemn and binding word.
"It is, therefore, obliged to accept all the ordinary and foreseeable consequences of the implementation of that agreement.
"Those manifest consequences included the inevitable application of EU tariffs and customs procedures to certain goods entering Northern Ireland from Great Britain and of the EU's state aid regime to the province.
"There can be no doubt that these were the known, unpalatable but inescapable, implications of the agreement. They included a duty to interpret and execute both the agreement and the protocol in good faith."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:26 PM faces backbench rebellion over Brexit deal
And he concluded: "What ministers should not do, however provoked or frustrated they may feel, is to take or use powers permanently and unilaterally to rewrite portions of an agreement into which this country freely entered just a few months ago.
"Therefore, if the government does not urgently and effectively dispel the impression that it intends to do so, I shall have no choice but to withhold my support for this bill. I am a strong supporter of this government and of Brexit and I am deeply saddened to have to say this.
"We, the British government and parliament, have given our word. Our honour, our credibility, our self-respect and our future influence in the world all rest upon us keeping that word. Nothing less is worthy of Britain."
A Tory MP since 2005, Mr Cox is one of Westminster's most flamboyant MPs, known for his booming voice in the Commons chamber and his rousing warm-up speech introducing Theresa May at the 2018 Tory conference.
His dramatic intervention will embolden those Tory MPs who claim the bill rips up Mr Johnson's own Brexit Withdrawal Agreement, despite government ministers insisting it is simply a "safety net" or "insurance policy".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 9:20 'Government undermining a free trade agreement'
Coming at the start of a week in which Commons business will be dominated by debates on the Internal Market Bill, Mr Cox's assault is likely to swell the numbers of Conservative rebels and be quoted at length by the bill's opponents.
Besides facing a backbench mutiny, Mr Johnson has been attacked by former premiers Theresa May, Tony Blair and Sir John Major and leading Tory Brexiteers Lord Howard and Lord Lamont.
Day one of the Commons clashes sees MPs debate the bill at its second reading, with votes at 10pm on whether it continues to line-by-line scrutiny in a four-day committee stage.
Labour and the smaller parties, including the Scottish National Party and Liberal Democrats, have tabled amendments declining to give the bill a second reading, though it is likely only Labour's will be voted on.
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:: Subscribe to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Labour's amendment states: "This bill undermines the Withdrawal Agreement already agreed by parliament, reopens discussion about the Northern Ireland Protocol that has already been settled, breaches international law, undermines the devolution settlements and would tarnish the UK's global reputation as a law-abiding nation and the UK's ability to enforce other international trade deals and protect jobs and the economy."
The smaller parties' amendment states: "This House declines to give a second reading to the United Kingdom Internal Market Bill because it breaks international law and is contrary to the established devolution settlement."
During the Commons committee stage, the government faces numerous attempts to amend the bill, including a move by senior Tory MPs led by barrister Sir Bob Neill, who chairs the Justice Select Committee, to add a "parliamentary lock" - effectively a veto - on any changes to the Withdrawal Agreement.
And after the attacks on the bill already by pro-Brexit grandees Lord Howard and Lord Lamont, the bill is also likely to be mauled by Conservative as well as opposition and crossbench peers in the House of Lords.