Brexit: Labour 'unpatriotic' for opposing breach of international law, government claims

The government has accused Labour of being unpatriotic for opposing planned Brexit legislation that breaches international law.

In an angry parliamentary exchange Suella Braverman, the attorney general, said Labour’s stance, which aligns with that of all living former prime ministers, was “anything but patriotic”.

The government has admitted its Internal Market Bill would break international law in a “limited and specific” way, given it beaches the Brexit withdrawal agreement signed by Boris Johnson earlier this year.

Shadow solicitor general Ellie Reeves accused attorney general Ms Braverman of having “betrayed” defenders of the rule of the law in the Commons on Thursday morning.

“As a barrister she knows the role of the government law officers: they must uphold the rule of law without fear or favour. As her own political hero Margaret Thatcher once said: ‘In order to be considered truly free, countries must have an abiding respect for the rule of law.’,” she said.

“Yet there’s a universal view amongst those who look to the attorney general to defend the rule of law that she has betrayed them.”

But Ms Braverman replied: “I prefer to take a less emotional approach than the honourable lady. I’m extremely proud to be supporting this bill: it protects our country and safeguards the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

“The honourable lady’s leader [Keir Starmer] called for patriotism this week but their opposition to this bill is anything but patriotic.

“How she can call herself an MP who sits in the United Kingdom parliament and at the same time vote against a bill that defends the unity of our country, maintains peace in Northern Ireland, and enables the United Kingdom, her country, to thrive – is not only illogical – but does a grave disservice to the nation’s interests.”

Sir Keir said this week he wanted the party to be “proud of being patriotic”, telling voters: “We love this country as you do.”

The internal market bill overrides aspects of the Brexit withdrawal agreement which impose new controls on goods moving from Northern Ireland to Great Britain, which Boris Johnson signed up to.

The checks, known as exit summary declarations, are part of the EU customs code, which applies to Northern Ireland under the treaty – but the UK now says they should not apply.