Liz Truss is said to be thinking bold move to trigger Action under Article 16 against EU over Northern Ireland protocol next month if she wins the Conservative leadership contest.
Foreign secretary – strong favorite to become next EVENINGS on September 5 – considering whether to launch the mechanism in potential escalation of in post- Brexit row with Brussels.
The immediate application of Article 16 would result in allow UK unilaterally suspends all or part of of in protocol agreed in Brexit agreement before September 15 deadline of legal action by the EU.
Liz Truss reflects move “within days” of getting into 10th place if she beats Rishi Sunak in tori raceaccording to Financial Timeswhich mentioned several government insiders.
Officials close to Truss reportedly consulted legal and trade experts over in option in recent weeks as one way of a business with looming litigation in the EU.
Independent understands that the application of Article 16 remains en option on Table for Farm but she didn’t push government officials work up plan for this is use next month.
In June, the European Commission filed a lawsuit against United Kingdom in response to account announced from Truss – aimed at overriding protocol by establishing unilaterally up new trade agreements for products moving between Northern Ireland and the UK.
In July, Brussels launched four new legal “procedural proceedings for violation of rights” against United Kingdom government blaming him of breaking parts of in protocol Brexit deal.
The UK has until 15 September to respond to the EU. warning of legal action, just 10 days after winner of Tory contest succeeds Boris Johnson in Downing Street.
Allies of Truss is said to be considering whether section 16 could provide a legal “temporary loophole” while the controversial law moves through the house of communities. The bill is not expected pass for for at least a few months.
“A little government officials expressed concern about the upcoming problems down track and introduced a lot options ministers to decide with that man official close to foreign secretary said FT.
Article 16 says protective measures could be taken by either the UK or the EU to suspend protocol if trade arrangements leading serious “economic, social or environmental hardship”.
Raoul Ruparel, former Theresa May’s number 10 Brexit adviser said he didn’t think it would lead to a “massive escalation”. in dispute between the UK and the EU, although he acknowledged that it would be “controversial view”.
He tweeted: “The UK must respond to the complex EU legal framework. of current stop – which is supported by NI business and most political parties. So in that the narrow sense is potentially legal way to do this.”
Trade policy expert Sam Low agreed, saying that use of Article 16 “as a justification for extending existing grace periods/suspensions/etc. would be…excellent.”
Macron hits back on the farm over jury claim out’ on friend or foe
However, David Hoenig, director at the European Center for International political economy, said any experts consulted on the triggering of Article 16 “it is likely that their expertise will be assessed on either they give correct answer”.
Hoenig tweeted: “You start wonder if is anyone will be able to introduce Liz Truss to reality once in post”.
Sinn Féin minister warned that anyone move suspend Northern Ireland protocol would be reckless and would cause more “damage” on in regions economy.
Northern Ireland finance minister, Conor Murphy, said: “These issues are around protocol need decide through dialogue – not unilateral in terms of protocol legislation or unilateral action in terms of giving effect to article 16”.
Meanwhile, Ms Truss caused a scandal with French President Emmanuel Macron with she notices made thursday nights at tory parties event in Norwich.
Foreign secretary told Tory members that “the jury out” on whether President Macron was Britain’s “friend or foe”.
Macron replied with a warning of his own today, saying: “If France and Britain cannot tell whether they are friends or enemies…then we’re heading for serious problems”.
David Lammy of the Labor Party, a shady foreign secretary, said her Macron comments showed “a regrettable absence of judgment”, insulting a close associate.
Former minister and fellow Conservative Gavin Barwell tweeted: “You would think foreign secretary knew that we in a military alliance with France.”
