The European Union took legal action against Britain today over its plans to pass legislation that would breach parts of the legally binding divorce agreement the two sides reached late last year.
The EU action underscored the worsening relations with Britain, which was a member of the bloc until Jan 31. Both sides are trying to forge a rudimentary free trade agreement before the end of the year, but the fight over the controversial UK Internal Market bill has soured relations over the past month.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the British plan "by its very nature is a breach of the obligation of good faith laid down in the Withdrawal Agreement".
"If adopted as is, it will be in full contradiction to the protocol of Ireland-Northern Ireland" in the withdrawal agreement.
The EU had given London until Wednesday to withdraw the bill but instead British lawmakers voted 340-256 on Tuesday to push the legislation past its last major House of Commons hurdle. It must also be approved by the House of Lords, where it is sure to meet strong opposition because it breaches international law.