NI council looks to take on UK Government in Brexit legal challenge

Councillors also voted to liaise with other councils who may wish to join any potential action.

All unionist councillors registered their objections and one warned against being: “Trigger-happy for legal fights.”

Sinn Fein’s Councillor Sheamus Greene said the government’s changing of NI Protocol will unilaterally break international law, and “surely break their own laws as well.”

“What can be done to protect ourselves against these lawbreakers in Westminster?” he asked.

Chief Executive Alison McCullagh confirmed legal opinion to scope options could be sought but highlighted a lack of clarity.

The SLDP’s Councillor Adam Gannon told members: “The NI Protocol was part of the withdrawal agreement. The Internal Market Bill is clearly trying to overrule parts of the Protocol. It’s important we explore our options from a legal perspective.”

But Councillor Chris Smyth (UUP) was against this and registered dissent: “Any idea we are going to take on government is some far-flung legal fight. People are very trigger-happy for legal fights and that’s one I don’t see any chance of us winning. It would be farcical even to engage in it.”

Party colleague Councillor Bert Wilson agreed adding: “A lot wouldn’t be so quick to go to court if actually paying the bill. It’s the ratepayers who will probably end up paying.”

DUP Councillor Errol Thompson: “We certainly won’t be taking on that fight.”

Ulster Unionist Councillor Alex Baird pointed to: “A lot of time and effort wasted in the past – but this crowns it.”

The matter went to a vote which came in 17-12 in favour of exploring legal action.