Munira has demanded the Prime Minister explains his “brazen hypocrisy” given his Government’s readiness to break international law with the Internal Market Bill, while expecting “everybody in this country to obey the law.”
The accusation follows an exchange at Prime Minister’s Questions today where Munira Wilson MP asked “If Ministers think it is acceptable for this Government to not obey the law, how on earth can the Prime Minister expect the public at home to do so?”
Despite confirmation yesterday from the Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis that the proposed Northern Ireland customs legislation “does break international law”, the Prime Minister told the House of Commons that he expects “everybody in this country to obey the law.”
Munira has called on the Prime Minister to make a statement clarifying his Government’s “precise position” when it comes to upholding the rule of law.
Following the exchange, Liberal Democrat MP Munira Wilson said:
“Testing one’s eyesight, natural justice, and only breaking the law in a limited and specific way. All excuses used by this Government for their disregard for the rule of law.
“It seems it’s one rule for them and another for the rest of us. At a time when the coronavirus crisis is taking an enormous toll, following guidelines is saving lives. Instead of showing leadership, this Government is setting all the wrong examples and in doing so risking lives.
“This brazen hypocrisy has to stop. The Prime Minister must come forward and clarify his precise position when it comes to upholding the rule of law, here in the UK and internationally.”
Letter to the Prime Minister
In a letter to the Prime Minister following the exchange at PMQs, Munira called on the Prime Minister to make a statement clarifying his Government’s “precise position” on upholding the rule of law:
The text of the letter is as follows:
Dear Prime Minister,
I remain deeply troubled by our exchange at Prime Minister’s Questions today.
You were categorical in stating that “we expect everybody in this country to obey the law”.
However, by your own Government’s admission, you intend to pursue legislation that “does break international law”.
Can you explain how you can hold conflicting views of the rule of law as it applies to the UK population and how it applies to your Government?
The Government’s readiness to squander the UK’s reputation in this respect, and turn us into a rogue nation by reneging on an international treaty, cannot be brushed under the carpet.
I therefore urge you to commit to making a statement in the House of Commons explaining the precise position of this Government when it comes to upholding the rule of law, both in the United Kingdom and internationally.
I look forward to your response.
Yours sincerely,