//This is why International Law exists, and this is also why we kick up a fuss when other nations act recklessly in violation of International Law.//
The EU is no paragon of virtue when it comes to “International Law” (whatever that is). It has refused to comply with WTO judgements and flouts WTO rules on GM crops, hormone beef and allows Airbus to receive generous subsidies. The ECJ has ruled that the EU has no obligation to follow WTO law if it erodes the EU’s influence. That same court also ruled that the EU may disregard the UN Charter if it is at odds with the EU’s constitution.
The fact is the NI Protocol in the Withdrawal Agreement provided for sensible arrangements for goods entering NI from the rest of the UK to counter the tremendous worries the EU had about the UK flooding its precious Single Market with contraband. It relies on the EU behaving reasonably by allowing identification of goods which were destined to remain in NI and those which may cross the border. With particular regard to food, as part of its negotiations “in Good Faith” the EU has refused to list the UK as a country from which food imports can be allowed without check. This is despite the UK having been an EU member for more than 40 years and adhering to all EU regulations. This brings the prospect of customs and compliance checks for food imports from GB to NI. The ultimate sanction (so the EU says) is that it will blockade food cargo from entering NI from GB. As an aside, quite how it will achieve this blockade, preventing goods to be moved from one part of a sovereign nation to another is a little unclear, but the idea that they even consider it is outrageous.
Mr Johnson, it seems, has finally woken up and smelt the coffee. The idea that a treaty has been signed which, if enforced to its extreme, could prevent the movement of goods within the UK is preposterous. I don’t know why it was ever signed and I don’t care. What is important is that steps are taken to override its effect immediately. If that leaves our international reputation in tatters, better that than having a reputation as a country which allows its internal affairs to be dictated by a foreign power.