Trust Shaken Between UK and EU Over Internal Market Act 'Controversy'... US Also Concerned

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] The UK government has announced the 'Internal Market Bill,' which could nullify certain provisions of the existing European Union (EU) withdrawal agreement, prompting backlash from the EU and others. By admitting to violating international law, the UK's credibility as a global actor has been damaged, leading to concerns that even the United States might find it difficult to establish a trade agreement with the UK.

According to BBC and other sources on the 9th (local time), the draft of the Internal Market Bill announced by the UK government on that day includes provisions concerning domestic trade within the UK?between England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales?after the Brexit transition period, which is set to end by the end of the year.

The problematic part concerns Northern Ireland. The bill includes provisions allowing goods moving from Northern Ireland to the rest of the UK to bypass any customs checks, and it permits ignoring obligations such as prior notification to the EU regarding state subsidies.

According to the EU withdrawal agreement, Northern Ireland is part of UK territory but must follow the EU's customs regulations. However, the bill clearly states that the UK's Internal Market law should take precedence, disregarding the agreement.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson stated, "My duty is to maintain the integrity of the UK and uphold the Northern Ireland peace agreement," adding, "We need a legal safety net to protect the country from extreme or unreasonable interpretations of the (Northern Ireland-related) provisions of the EU withdrawal agreement."

The EU immediately reacted. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, expressed "serious concern about the UK government's intention to breach the withdrawal agreement," calling it "a violation of international law and a betrayal of trust." The European Commission requested an immediate meeting with the UK to discuss the contents of the bill. The UK government responded that it plans to accept the EU's meeting proposal as soon as possible.

Bloomberg reported that the EU appears to be considering legal action against the UK government for unveiling the Internal Market Bill, which violates parts of the withdrawal agreement. The EU reportedly views the bill as a "substantial and clear breach" of the withdrawal agreement.

As the UK government became embroiled in controversy over violating international law, the United States also pressured the UK, warning that if the UK undermines the withdrawal agreement, it would be unable to implement a trade agreement with the US. Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the US House of Representatives, said in a statement that "Brexit that jeopardizes the withdrawal agreement in any form is unacceptable," adding, "If the UK violates international agreements and damages the withdrawal agreement, there is absolutely no chance that a trade agreement between the US and the UK will pass the House."

Opposition also arose within UK politics. Former Conservative Prime Minister John Major said, "For generations, the UK's signature on any treaty or agreement has been sacrosanct," warning, "If we lose our reputation for keeping promises, the cost will be irreversible."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.