Changes as part of ‘bonfire’ of EU laws could lead to tariffs on British exports if level playing field rules breached
Liz Truss risks igniting another row with the EU which could lead to tariffs on British exports if she tries to dilute workers’ rights too much, legal experts and union leaders have said.
The new prime minister is reportedly considering a review of workers’ rights as part of a wider “bonfire” of 1,500 EU laws she wants to take off the UK’s statute books before the end of 2023.
Under the level playing field agreements in the Brexit deal sealed by Lord Frost with the EU, the UK can deviate from rules in the bloc but not diverge to such an extent that it gives the UK a business advantage over rivals on the continent and Ireland.
Catherine Barnard, professor of EU law at the University of Cambridge and a Brexit expert said the deal allows safeguards including tariffs to be imposed by either side if the playing field is unlevelled.
“The [deal] allows the UK to diverge from EU rules on workers’ rights but if the divergence affects trade and investment then the EU can start the non-regression’ procedure against the UK,” she said.
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It's as if the Tories want to achieve a no-deal brexit by stealth. They knew going for one straight off the bat would make them extremely unpopular. So they signed a deal they intended to unpick bit by unwanted bit.
