Thread by @AndrewDuffEU

As soon as the government moves the 2nd reading of the Internal Market Bill on Monday afternoon, one expects the EU Commission to launch an infringement action (Article 87 Withdrawal Agreement) on the grounds that the UK is *already* failing to fulfil its obligations. 1/

Specifically, the UK has breached Article 5 of the WA (good faith), Article 167 (cooperation in dispute settlement), and Article 168 (exclusivity in dispute settlement). @SuellaBraverman could then submit more of her lucid observations. 2/

The Commission will then issue a binding Reasoned Opinion (Article 258 TFEU), and would add a warning that it intends to pursue the UK further once the official WA arbitration panel is in place come January, should sections 41, 42, 43 and 45 of the Bill be enacted into law. 3/

At that stage, the UK will stand accused of violating the Northern Ireland Protocol Articles 5(3) & (4) on customs rules and Article 10 on state aid. It will also have breached Article 4 WA (primacy, direct effect and judicial authority of the CJEU). 4/

Rulings of the arbitration tribunal are binding. In the last resort the EU would suspend the Withdrawal Agreement (except the citizens' rights part). Expect no mercy. And say goodbye to the free trade agreement. END/