Amnesty International enters Brexit bill fray to warn of precedent for ignoring treaties

International campaign group Amnesty International has added its voice to the chorus of condemnation of Boris Johnson’s decision to pursue the latest Brexit bill.
By Adam Kula
Published 9th Sep 2020, 20:08 BST
An Amnesty International protest in Belfast in 2008, which accused George Bush of ripping up international law over the use of Guantanamo Bay naval facility to house suspected jihadists and enemy combatantsAn Amnesty International protest in Belfast in 2008, which accused George Bush of ripping up international law over the use of Guantanamo Bay naval facility to house suspected jihadists and enemy combatants
An Amnesty International protest in Belfast in 2008, which accused George Bush of ripping up international law over the use of Guantanamo Bay naval facility to house suspected jihadists and enemy combatants

The Internal Market Bill has been roundly criticised for “over-riding” elements of the Withdrawal Agreement Mr Johnson had struck with the EU last year, by writing into law commitments to protect free and smooth intra-UK trade.

Trade unions and anti-Brexit politicians have condemned the move.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Now Amnesty’s Northern Irish branch, which in recent years has focussed its activities on pushing for a more liberal abortion regime and for gay marriage, has issued a statement from its local director Patrick Corrigan.

It states: “This Bill is deeply concerning in what it says about the government’s attitude towards honouring international legal commitments.

“Worryingly, the Bill fundamentally undermines the Northern Ireland Protocol, which was designed to protect the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement and the principle of no diminution of rights for people in Northern Ireland.

“Beyond our shores, it sends a troubling message that risks undermining the government’s international legal commitments and its support for a rules-based international order.”

A message from the Editor:

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to newsletter.co.uk and enjoy unlimited access to the best Northern Ireland and UK news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.newsletter.co.uk/subscriptions now to sign up.

Our journalism costs money and we rely on advertising, print and digital revenues to help to support them. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.

Alistair Bushe

Editor

Related topics:Boris JohnsonBrexitNorthern Ireland ProtocolTrade unions