Consequences of the UK Breaking International Law: An open letter to Andrew Murrison MP
Below is a copy of the open letter that was sent to South West Wiltshire's MP Andrew Murrison by Liberal Democrat spokesperson Ellen Nicholson, sharing the concern of many voters across the electorate on the UK's internion to renege on the withdrawal agreement that was negotiated, voted for by conservative MPs, including Andrew Murrison and signed by the government.
Dear Andrew
As you know, the UK has now left the European Union, following the Withdrawal Agreement that you and your party, the Conservatives campaigned for and which was signed for by the Prime Minister.
Thus, I read with dismay, that the Conservative government is planning to break international law. It is just not acceptable for minister's and MPs to argue that the UK could break international law in a "very specific and limited way". Nor is it acceptable for the Prime Minister to argue for the Withdrawal Agreement to be rewritten, when he fought for it, campaigned for it and signed it alongside yourself and other Conservative colleagues.
My concerns are also shared by many others, including former Conservative leaders, such as Sir John Major, William Hague, Theresa May and Michael Howard, all of whom have warned that the proposed Internal Market Bill, will threaten the UK's reputation internationally, as well as risking the basis of the Good Friday Agreement in Northern Ireland. This erosion of trust with our international partners will threaten the very trade deals that you promised "100%" would be sorted by the end of this year. Indeed, the Speaker of the US House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi has warned that Britain will be unable to secure a trade deal with the US if it does anything to undermine the treaty that brought peace to Northern Ireland after decades of violence.
You may be our political opponents, but all the voters of South West Wiltshire are looking to you to respect your electoral promises and the basis of our international agreements, especially as this country faces the twin challenges of Brexit and COVID19. The rule of law is paramount, the voters of South West Wiltshire should expect no less supporting this legislation will seriously damage both the UK and South West Wiltshire 's reputation. It will weaken the UK's ability to hold other states to account for their flaunting of international law, such as China, Iran or Russia.
I hope that you will agree with your former leader and Brexiteer, Lord Howard in opposing this legislation: "We have a reputation for probity, for upholding the rule of law" and join other Conservative colleagues to speak and vote against this bill.
Ellen Nicholson
Liberal Democrat spokesperson for South West Wiltshire
