Dear John,

The Internal Market Bill will be back in the Commons on Monday. 

And the government has said it will re-table the law-breaking clauses removed by the Lords. 

The government has resolved to re-table the most controversial clauses of the Internal Market Bill relating to Northern Ireland. If passed, these clauses will necessitate a guarded border on the island of Ireland in a no deal scenario, and irrevocably damage the UK’s international reputation.

A minister has described the clauses as a “negotiation ploy”. Breaking an international treaty is no way to pursue fair-minded negotiations. Brussels will regard the inclusion of these clause as an act of pure intransigence.

On Tuesday night, the government suffered the largest rebellion of this parliament in the Commons. Conservative MPs are increasingly unhappy, and may be more willing to listen to your arguments than you think. 

Write a message to your MP. Ask them to oppose the re-tabling of the illegal clauses, and substantially amend this Bill to limit its most damaging effects. 

And now there could be further breach of international law. The Taxation Bill, which may be introduced as soon as next week, will break the Northern Ireland Protocol.

Similar to the Internal Market Bill, the Taxation Bill will contain "notwithstanding" clauses designed to overrule elements of the Withdrawal Agreement in a no-deal scenario.

Beyond its immediate impact, the Internal Market Bill sets a dangerous precedent: that ministers may pick and choose which international agreements they wish to honour.  

These Bills will send shockwaves through the diplomatic community – arguably significant damage has already been done to our diplomatic relationships. 

Endangering the Good Friday Agreement, and the peace it maintains, as a negotiating tactic paints the UK as a reckless actor on the world stage. The Bill ensures a no deal with Europe means a no deal with the USA as well.   

Send a message to your MP today.

As we enter the very last few weeks where a deal might be reached, the government should be negotiating in earnest, not tearing up the international playbook.

Once the law is bent, there is nothing to stop ministers doing it again. There are good reasons for all our allies to doubt our word.

Best wishes,

Cary Mitchell,
Director of Operations, Best for Britain