Government's top legal advisor walks out as minister admits new rules will break international law - "make laws not break them" demand LiberalDemocrats

Sir Jonathan Jones, head of the UK Government's legal department, has resigned following the Government's decision to introduce legislation which would undermine key aspects of the Withdrawal Agreement reached with the EU and approved by Parliament. Liberal Democrat Brexit Spokesperson Christine Jardine MP said:

"The head of the Government's legal department quitting over Boris Johnson's approach to Brexit should signal how serious a situation this is.

"For Johnson to think it is acceptable to row back on international agreements and assurances made to Northern Ireland shows he has no respect for international law or the UK's obligations.

"How can the UK expect other countries, like China, to respect the international treaties we hold with them if we don't do the same when it comes to the Withdrawal Agreement?

"Any Government figure of any integrity would be appalled at these plans. It is therefore unsurprising that Sir Jonathan has felt the need to leave his position.

And as the Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis says that the proposed Northern Ireland customs rules legislation will "break international law", Liberal Democrat Northern Ireland Spokesperson Alistair Carmichael MP said that the UK Government should focus on making laws, not breaking laws. But the Northern Ireland Secretary's admission that the Conservative Government stands ready to break international law shows just how far we have fallen under Boris Johnson.

"His Government are tearing up the UK's proud history of promoting the rule of law and in the process destroying our reputation on the world stage. It is unforgivable.

"The Liberal Democrats unequivocally condemn this reckless approach."