THE Tories' controversial UK Internal Market Bill could break up the Union, shadow business minister Lucy Powell has warned.
Labour's attempts to rewrite Boris Johnson's Brexit legislation to ensure ministers respect the rule of law have been dismissed by the UK Government.
The Opposition has tabled new clause one to the United Kingdom Internal Market Bill, which removes sections of the legislation which allow the UK to override the Brexit divorce deal.
Ministers have argued such powers to override the Withdrawal Agreement are needed to protect the relationship between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, although have acknowledged it will enable them to breach international law if necessary.
Powell told MPs: “We have been clear that this, as drafted, is a bad Bill which is not in the national interest. Today we will once again work to try and improve it.
“It is a Bill that breaks the law and could break up the UK.”
She added: “The truth is that even with the additional vote conceded [from Business minister Paul Scully Scully], it doesn’t change the fundamentals that this Bill itself breaks the agreement and breaks international law.”
Powell continued: “Our New Clause One would require ministers to respect the rule of law while implementing their own Withdrawal Agreement.”
She added: “Callous or careless, untrustworthy or incompetent, the Government are playing a dangerous game and it is the people and businesses of Northern Ireland who risk paying the price.”
The Scottish Government yesterday announced on Sunday that would not consent to the bill as it breaches international law.
READ MORE: Holyrood to refuse consent for the Tories’ power grab bill
Holyrood will refuse to pass what is known as a legislative consent motion on the Internal Market Bill – such consents are normally needed for the UK Parliament to pass laws that involve devolved matters, which the bill currently before the Commons most certainly does.
With the Greens and Scottish Labour set to support the SNP Government, the Holyrood Parliament will see a large majority refusing legislative consent for the controversial bill.
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