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European Commission takes legal action against UK over Internal Market Bill

In response to the UK’s inaction to overturn conflicting aspects of the controversial Internal Market Bill, the European Commission has issued a letter notifying the UK of the start of formal legal action.

Why has the EU taken legal action?

As stated by Commission Vice President Maroš Šefčovič, the timely and full implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement, including the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland is a legal obligation. The UK were given until the end of September to amend the contentious aspects of the Bill, however due to failure to do so, the UK has breached its obligation to act in good faith, as set out in Article 5 of the Withdrawal Agreement.

What’s next?

The UK Government has until the end of October 2020 to reply to the EU’s letter. The issue of this letter marks the beginning of the EU’s formal infringement process against the UK.

Additionally, the UK’s controversial Internal Market Bill easily cleared its final hurdle in the House of Commons earlier this week, where it passed by 340 votes to 256. At the time of writing, the Bill is at its second reading at the UK’s House of Lords, which has the power to block the legislation by amending it and sending it back to the Commons.