Brussels threatens to SUE Britain over new Brexit laws which breach last year’s deal
BRUSSELS has threatened to sue Britain over a controversial new law that would breach last year's Brexit deal BEFORE it has been passed by Parliament to heap pressure on MPs and peers to revolt against PM.
The EU Commission hinted today they would slap the UK with trade sanctions and massive fines in response to No 10's move to overrule parts of the Irish border fix.
In a document on possible legal action, seen by The Sun, eurocrats argue giving ministers the power to override customs checks and EU state aid law is a "clear breach" of pact.
It will be seen as an active attempt to pressure the PM into U-turning on his controversial bid to alter the terms of the Withdrawal Agreement.
And today the EU openly threatened it after a furious meeting between the Britain and the UK.
A commission spokesperson said they "wont be shy" in such legal action.
Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič - in a meeting with Micheal Gove today "reminded the UK government that the Withdrawal Agreement contains a number of mechanisms and legal remedies to address violations of the legal obligations contained in the text – which the European Union will not be shy in using."
The massive row could leave Britain and the EU without any cooperation on key areas like banking access and data sharing at the start of next year.
Brussels argues the Internal Market Bill published by No 10 "breaches the good faith obligations" in last year's deal.
And EU officials say they could begin suing Britain before the law has been passed, which would heap pressure on MPs and Peers.
Their paper says: "Even before the bill is adopted, it could be defendable to bring infringement proceedings."
European capitals are furious about the UK's actions and will pressure the Commission to take the toughest line.
The dossier says euro judges have the power to "impose a lump sum or penalty payment" on the UK for non-compliance with the deal.
And it adds "in case of non-payment or persisting non-compliance" from the UK, the bloc would have the right to go further.
This could include "suspending its obligations arising from the Withdrawal Agreement or from the future EU/UK agreement".
The section of the deal on citizens' rights is ring-fenced and can't be axed as part of retaliatory measures by either side.
In the paper, circulated to EU capitals, the Commission also urges national politicians to lash out against No 10.
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It says Member States should highlight how the move raises concerns over the trustworthiness of Boris Johnson's government.
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Eurocrats admit any legal action is unlikely to come before the European Court of Justice before the end of the year.
But under the terms of the Withdrawal Agreement they will have up until the start of 2025 to bring their case.