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In a major move last night, EU Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, attacked UK officials for attempting to rewrite elements of the bill which was agreed in October. Despite her threat, the Cabinet Office Minister reassured MPs, progress had been made during this week’s talks. Mr Gove said: “Progress has been made in a huge number of areas. “There are still one or two sticking points on state aid, the level playing field and fisheries, but I think with goodwill on both sides we will achieve resolution, and I know this government is determined to do so.
“But we have clear red lines and it’s vitally important that we maintain our faith with the electorate and ensure on January 1 we leave the EU single market and customs union and take back control.”
In the withdrawal agreement, Northern Ireland will be classed within the EU’s state aid infrastructure.
However, the UK’s Internal Market Bill allows the Secretary of State to report the level of state aid to the EU Commission – despite what was agreed in October.
UK officials now have a month to respond to the EU’s claims.
If found guilty of violating the agreement, the UK could face heavy fines.
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7.24am update: Michael Gove shrugs off EU threat
EU Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, commenced legal action against the UK over the violation of the withdrawal agreement yesterday.
With the UK Internal Market Bill violating parts of that agreement, the EU accused UK officials of not acting in good faith.
Ms von der Leyen said: “This draft bill is by its very nature a breach of the obligation of good faith laid down in the Withdrawal Agreement.”
Despite the threat, Cabinet Office Minister, Michael Gove shrugged off the warning from Brussels.
He told MPs: “There are still one or two sticking points on state aid, the level playing field and fisheries, but I think with goodwill on both sides we will achieve resolution, and I know this government is determined to do so.
“But we have clear red lines and it’s vitally important that we maintain our faith with the electorate and ensure on January 1 we leave the EU single market and customs union and take back control.”
A Government spokesman said the notice from the EU would soon be reviewed.
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