The EU’s chief negotiator Michel Barnier is in London today for the latest round of Brexit negotiations amid anger in Brussels over UK legislation which could override key elements of the Withdrawal Agreement.
The talks come as it emerged the head of the UK government’s legal department has quit over suggestions that Boris Johnson could attempt to undermine the Brexit deal.
The prime minister warned on Monday the UK would walk away from trade talks if no agreement was reached by mid-October, raising the threat of a no-deal exit.
Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe to face new trial in Iran, MP says
British-Iranian dual national Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe has appeared in court in Iran and been told she will face another trial on Sunday, an MP has said.
Tulip Siddiq, a Labour MP, said she had spoken to Ms Zaghari-Ratcliffe and confirmed she had appeared in court following an Iranian state TV report which said she was facing a new charge.
“I’ve been in touch with Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe and can confirm that she was taken to court this morning and told she will face another trial on Sunday,” Ms Siddiq wrote on Twitter.
“I know many people are concerned about her welfare and I’ll keep everyone updated when we have more information #FreeNazanin.”
She added: “This is an extremely worrying development, and I know many people are concerned about Nazanin’s welfare.
“The last four years have been excruciating for her husband Richard and her daughter Gabriella, who is growing up without a mother.
“The United Nations have recognised Nazanin’s imprisonment as arbitrary and unlawful, and any further court case is clearly unacceptable.”
Ms Zaghari-Ratcliffe was arrested at Tehran’s Imam Khomeini airport while travelling to see her parents in April 2016.
She was sentenced to five years in prison over allegations, which she denies, of plotting to overthrow the Iranian government.
Conrad Duncan8 September 2020 15:53
Another senior government legal adviser is reportedly considering resigning following the Northern Ireland secretary’s admission that ministers could break international law:
Conrad Duncan8 September 2020 15:39
Priti Patel says Extinction Rebellion are ‘eco-crusaders turned criminals’
Priti Patel has branded the climate action group Extinction Rebellion as “eco-crusaders turned criminals” and accused them of attacking Britain’s way of life.
The home secretary told a police conference that the UK must “stand firm against the guerilla tactics” of the protest movement.
More on this story can be found below:
Conrad Duncan8 September 2020 15:29
Tearing up international treaties is ‘what rogue states do’, veteran diplomat says
A veteran diplomat has warned tearing up international treaties is an action associated with “rogue states” in a scathing criticism of government plans to change the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement.
Lord Kerr of Kinlochard, who served as British ambassador to Washington and Brussels, launched the attack over suggestions Boris Johnson wants to row back on parts of the agreement relating to Northern Ireland.
Lord Kerr, who wrote Article 50 which triggered the formal withdrawal process, was critical of the government seeking to act unilaterally “with a domestic law purporting to override an international commitment”.
“Tearing up treaties is what rogue states do. I can’t recall our ever doing so,” he said.
In response, Lord True, a Cabinet Office minister, argued there were “ambiguities” in the Northern Ireland protocol, intended to ensure there is no return of a hard border with the Republic once the transition is over.
He said he hoped the issues could be dealt with during the negotiations.
Conrad Duncan8 September 2020 15:15
Another Tory MP has gone public with concerns over the government’s suggestion it will break international law for Brexit:
Conrad Duncan8 September 2020 15:07
Pound plunges against US dollar over rising fears of no-deal Brexit
The pound has fallen sharply against the dollar and the euro amid rising fears over a no-deal Brexit following the shock departure of the government’s legal chief.
Sterling plunged 1.6 per cent to just over $1.30, its lowest level for almost a month and the steepest fall since March.
Meanwhile, the pound fell 1.5 per cent against the euro to €1.11 on Tuesday.
Our business reporter, Ben Chapman, has the full story below:
Conrad Duncan8 September 2020 14:52
Any breach of international law is ‘unacceptable’, Justice Committee chair says
The chair of the Justice Select Committee has warned any breach of international law by the UK would be “unacceptable”.
“Any breach, or potential breach, of the international legal obligations we have entered into is unacceptable, regardless of whether it’s in a ‘specific’ or ‘limited way’,” Sir Bob Neill wrote on Twitter.
“Adherence to the rule of law is not negotiable.”
Conrad Duncan8 September 2020 14:40
Local government minister resigns over ‘personal reasons’
The minister for regional growth and local government has resigned from government for “personal reasons”.
“My decision has been prompted by purely personal reasons; like all of us, I have to balance my own life against the demands of the office,” Simon Clarke said in a letter to the prime minister.
“I would not have made this decision unless I believed it was of the utmost importance.”
He said he hoped to serve in government again and would continue to support Mr Johnson’s leadership.
Conrad Duncan8 September 2020 14:32
Breaking international law will do ‘untold damage’ to UK’s reputation, Lib Dem leader says
The government will do “untold damage” to the UK’s reputation around the world if it chooses to break international law over Brexit, the leader of the Liberal Democrats has said.
“This is a really sad and shocking state of affairs for our country,” Sir Ed Davey said, responding to an admission by the Northern Ireland secretary Brandon Lewis.
“Breaking international law will do untold damage to our reputation abroad, it will make us poorer and make it harder to solve global crises like the climate emergency.”
Conrad Duncan8 September 2020 14:22
Video of the Northern Ireland secretary’s statement can also be found below:
Conrad Duncan8 September 2020 14:04
