EU Begins Legal Action Against the UK After it Approves Controversial Brexit Bill

10/01/2020

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Sam Meredith | CNBC

LONDON — European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Thursday said it had sent a letter of formal notice to the U.K. over its plan to override the Brexit divorce deal, marking the first step in legal proceedings.

It comes after U.K. lawmakers approved Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s controversial Internal Market Bill earlier this week, despite some ministers admitting the legislation could lead to the country breaching international law.

The U.K. has said the proposed legislation, which now requires the approval of the House of Lords, will protect the integrity of the U.K. The bill would allow ministers to unilaterally amend elements of the country’s Withdrawal Agreement with the EU.

It has amplified divisions between the U.K. and Europe, threatening to scupper trade talks during the post-Brexit transition period.

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