The new legislation published Wednesday, is seen as a move to override key parts of the current Brexit deal and once again raises the possibility of a hard border between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

European Commission Vice President Maros Sefcovic has called for an “extraordinary Joint Committee” meeting so that Britain's Michael Gove can respond to “strong concerns on the bill.”

“We're not moving the goalposts,” Environment Secretary George Eustice said in defense of the move.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to downplay the potential risks of taking unilateral action which contravenes the terms of the original agreement, much to the chagrin of his counterparts in Brussels and Dublin. 

“Unilateral actions which seek to change the operation of measures already agreed including in an international treaty and incorporated into domestic law do not build trust,” Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin said, adding that he is “extremely concerned” at the British government's intention to “break international law.”

Think your friends would be interested? Share this story!