EU says plan to extend Brexit grace period breaks international law

EU says plan to extend Brexit grace period breaks international law

The British government has been accused of breaking international law for a second time by the European commission after ministers said the UK would unilaterally act to give Northern Ireland businesses time to adapt to post-Brexit rules.In a damning statement, Maroš Šefčovič, the vice-president of the commission, said a move announced by Northern Ireland secretary Brandon Lewis to exempt goods coming from Great Britain from checks amounted to a “violation” of the withdrawal agreement.“This is the second time that the UK government is set to breach international law,” the statement said. “This also constitutes a clear departure from the constructive approach that has prevailed up until now.”Lewis announced a “new operation plan” for sending goods from Great Britain to Northern Ireland to the Commons on Wednesday.The UK has asked for a two-year extension to all grace periods for Irish Sea border checks including those on food, parcels, plants and medicines, but so far Brussels has resisted. Lewis said the government had to act to protect the interests of Northern Ireland and keep shelves stocked.“We are taking forward a series of further temporary operational steps which reflect the simple reality that there is more time needed to adapt and implement new