Actions by the British Government Threatens International Law – Bipartisan Congressional Leaders.

A bipartisan group of Congressional Representatives responds to the unilateral actions of the British Government to break international law and calls for continued negotiations to resolve any outstanding issues

Congressman Richard E. Neal, Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee and Co-Chair of the Friends of Ireland Caucus: Congressman Bill Keating, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Europe; Congressman Brendan Boyle, Co-Chair of the Congressional EU Caucus; and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, Ranking Member of the Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Europe issued the below joint statement in response to the release of the legislation by the United Kingdom that undermines the Northern Ireland Protocol

“The introduction of legislation in the United Kingdom undermines the Northern Ireland Protocol, threatens international law, and, most concerningly, could jeopardize the almost twenty-five years of peace established by the Good Friday Agreement. The Protocol is a negotiated solution ratified by UK lawmakers and signed by Boris Johnson to ensure an open border on the island of Ireland and to protect peace and security following Brexit. We encourage the UK and EU to continue negotiations in good faith to achieve durable solutions to post-Brexit trade challenges.

“As members of the United States Congress, we remain committed to protecting and upholding the important legacy of the Good Friday Agreement. We have and will continue to signal to the United Kingdom our support for a negotiated outcome with the EU. The people of Northern Ireland are counting on their elected officials to govern and maintain peace and stability in the region—now is the time to deliver.”