Dear John 

New PM, same old tricks

Liz Truss continues on her predecessor’s collision course with our democracy

The Northern Ireland Protocol Bill is still being forced through parliament. This Bill will break international law and has the potential to inflict even more economic damage.

Best for Britain and the independent, cross-party UK Trade and Business Commission have warned the UK Government that proceeding with this Bill is against the interests of the UK, British businesses and British consumers.

We’re all facing high energy bills and the effects of the cost of living crisis. A European democracy is fighting an authoritarian invasion.

It’s never a good  time to make trading harder with our closest neighbours, but to do it now, when we should solely be working  with our allies to keep people and energy supplies safe and secure, is reckless and self-defeating.

Will you stand with us? Will you tell Truss’ government to put a stop to this bill?

The Northern Ireland Protocol Bill would effectively put the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement - the post-Brexit Trade Deal - to one side. It gives UK ministers permission to decide to break international law. Yes, it would drag us back to a position that looks very much like a no-deal Brexit. 

We know already what the consequences would be. Trust in the UK internationally would be hit hard, with countries asking why they should believe we’d keep our word if we’re willing to sign a treaty one year and break it a year later.

The US is already saying they’re unwilling to negotiate trade agreements with the UK while the Bill is on the books. President Biden and other senior American politicians have raised grave concerns that it would threaten the peace in Northern Ireland.

It is incredibly dangerous. So will you stand with us and sign our petition against this threat to our democracy?

If all of that isn’t bad enough, the way the bill is worded gives ministers new powers to change the law without proper debate and scrutiny in Parliament.

It means your MP and my MP, who were elected to represent our communities in Parliament, won’t even be asked what they or their constituents think about it. Ministers would just be able to make changes they want.

I think this Bill is extreme. I hope you’ll join me in standing against it by adding your name to the petition now.

Stand with us today,

Harry Welch

Research Officer, Best for Britain