Under criticism, Boris Johnson justifies his reversal on the Brexit deal
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on September 1, 2020 in London.
REUTERS / Toby Melville / Pool
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3 min
Criticized even in his own ranks, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson defended this Saturday, September 12, his reversal on part of the Brexit agreement by accusing the European Union (EU).
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Faced with the "
threat
" that the European Union establishes a "
food blockade
" in Northern Ireland, Prime Minister Boris Jonhson said he was forced to
have to partially reverse the Brexit agreement
, thus responding to the criticisms of his close but at the same time increasing tensions before new negotiations in Brussels.
Last week,
discussions had already been tense
.
At issue: a bill presented by the British government on Wednesday September 9, partly contradicting the agreement already signed between the EU and the United Kingdom.
A maneuver that violates international law, admitted Boris Johnson, but to which he says he was forced.
"
We are now being told that if we do not accept the terms of the EU, the EU will use an extreme interpretation of the Northern Ireland Protocol to impose a full trade border there
" between the province and the rest of the kingdom , justified the Prime Minister in an article published by the
Daily Telegraph
, accusing the European Union of being at the origin of the tensions.
“
We are told that the EU will not only impose tariffs on goods transiting from Britain to Northern Ireland, but that it may in fact stop the transport of food from Great Britain. Brittany to Northern Ireland,
”he continues.
Risks which had already been brought to the ear of the Prime Minister by several British officials in January, according to a report published on Saturday by the
Financial Times.
The fear of "no-deal" still present
The arrangements for
Northern Ireland
have been taken by the EU, fearing that the post-Brexit UK may lower its own food standards, as well as state aid rules for businesses, while still having access to food. single European market via Northern Ireland.
The text finally signed provided for the British province to remain subject to certain European provisions for four years, in particular concerning trade.
But with the controversial bill being considered by British MPs on Monday, London will be able to unilaterally take trade decisions in that province, contrary to what was initially agreed.
With a few days of new negotiations, German Finance Minister Olaf Scholz has warned the UK of the consequences of failed negotiations with the EU on a post-Brexit trade deal.
A situation not at all regulated would have "
very significant consequences
for the British economy,
" he said after a meeting of EU finance ministers.
(With
AFP)
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