The European Union has long accused Prime Minister Boris Johnson of attempting to back out of a deal his administration negotiated and ratified as part of the United Kingdom’s exit from the bloc in 2020.
On Tuesday, the British government drastically intensified a dispute with the European Union by announcing that it will enact legislation to repeal portions of a trade agreement struck less than two years ago.
Britain claims its unilateral amendment to the legally binding treaty, which appears to be a violation of international law, is an insurance policy in case it can’t reach a deal with the EU to resolve a long-running disagreement over post-Brexit trade terms.
Foreign Secretary Liz Truss stated, “Our preference is to secure a negotiated agreement with the EU.”
The European Union reacted angrily to the news, accusing Prime Minister Boris Johnson of attempting to back out of a pact his administration negotiated and ratified as part of the UK’s leave in 2020. The row increases the possibilities of a trade war between Britain and the 27-nation EU, which remains its main economic partner even after Brexit.
