Brexit Update: Johnson’s Internal Market Bill Passed First Voting

Brexit Update:
Johnson’s Internal Market Bill Passed First Voting

A legislation bill introduced by UK PM Boris Johnson was voted to pass through the House of
Commons on Monday with total of 340 votes to 263. The internal market bill is
designed to enable goods and services to flow freely across England, Scotland,
Wale, and Northern Ireland when the UK leaves the EU’s single market on January
1 2021. The bill also gives Johnson’s government the power to change aspects of
the EU withdrawal agreement, which was previously a legally-binding deal
leading to the official Brexit in January 31 this year.

The bill had
since received backlash from members of Johnson’s own party, where many claimed
that the bill is a breach of international law. According to Tory MP Sir Roger
Gale, the bill damages the country’s international reputation for honest
dealing, especially during this crucial period where many series of trade
negotiations will occur.

However, Johnson
claimed that the bill is a safeguard to protect the Northern Ireland if
negotiations on a Brexit deal do not break. Ministers say that the bill is a
contingency plan in case the EU interprets the Brexit agreement unreasonably,
in particular the Northern Ireland Protocol designed initially to avoid a hard
border on the island.

Although the
bill had been voted to pass through the Commons, many Tory MPs are aiming to
reject the bill through their constituents. During the five-hour debate,
Johnson said that the EU’s current approach could potentially lead to excessive
checks and tariffs on goods moving from the UK into Northern Ireland.
Protecting his bill, Johnson said that it would ensure the country’s economic
and political integrity. Johnson also accused the EU of making ridiculous
demands in their negotiations, including the EU’s threat to block food exports.

Although the
bill received backfire from ministers, many said that they are aware of
Johnson’s concerns. Some agreed that the powers from the bill should only be
used if there are no other legal approach, and must be voted by MPs before
activating it. The bill is expected to face strong opposition during the voting
through the House of Lords, and it is vital that the bill is legislated by the
end of the year when EU law ceases to have effect in the UK.

The EU
previously threatened to retaliate with legal actions against the UK if the
bill takes into effect. As the deadline for the Brexit negotiation on October
15 draws closer, Monday’s vote on the bill would potentially harm ongoing
talks, further raising concerns over a no-deal Brexit. However, some argued
that setting an earlier deadline and introducing the bill are all Johnson’s
negotiating tactics to pressure the EUto approve a Brexit deal as soon as
possible.