EU takes legal action against UK over planned Brexit bill

The European Union has taken legal action against the United Kingdom over its plans to pass legislation that would breach parts of the legally binding divorce agreement the two sides reached late last year.
The EU action on Thursday underscored the worsening relations with Britain, which was a member of the bloc until January 31. Both sides are trying to forge a rudimentary free trade agreement before the end of the year, but the fight over the controversial UK internal market bill has soured relations this month.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that the UK plan “by its very nature is a breach of the obligation of good faith laid down in the withdrawal agreement”.
“If adopted as is, it will be in full contradiction to the protocol of Ireland-Northern Ireland” in the withdrawal agreement.
The EU had given London until Wednesday to withdraw the bill but instead, UK politicians voted 340-256 on Tuesday to push the legislation past its last major House of Commons hurdle. It must also be approved by the House of Lords, where it is sure to meet strong opposition because it breaches international law.
At the same time, EU and UK officials were continuing talks on a trade deal, going into detailed negotiations over everything from fisheries rights, state aid rules and legal oversight in case of disputes.