Boris Johnson is facing mounting criticism over his legislation overriding his Brexit deal, as leaders from across the political spectrum attacked the threat to break international law.
Senior Conservatives were not backing down on their rebellion against the Prime Minister’s plans despite his warning that Brussels could “carve up our country” without his new Bill.
UK’s integrity
Former prime ministers Sir John Major and Tony Blair united to urge MPs to reject the legislation, saying it imperils the Irish peace process, trade negotiations and the UK’s integrity.
Sir Keir Starmer accused Mr Johnson of having “reigniting old rows” by working to flout his own Withdrawal Agreement, but pledged Labour support if he addresses “substantial” concerns.
Tory rebels suggested their numbers were growing and opinions were only hardened by Mr Johnson’s increased rhetoric that the EU could impose a trade border in the Irish Sea.
Public attitude towards Brexit breaches
But amongst the public there seems to be rather less concern over the so-called ‘Brexit breaches’.
A third say it is acceptable to breach international law with regard to UK internal market bill, while a similar number (32 per cent) approve of Boris Johnson’s handling of Brexit.
The majority (52 per cent) now believe the UK is likely to leave the transition period without a trade deal, and while 50 per cent feel this would be bad for the economy, only 27 per cent believe it would be bad for their personal financial situation.
As such, the Conservatives’ lead returns to three points (42 per cent compared to 39 per cent for Labour).
Leave vs Remain
Adam Drummond, head of political polling at Opinium, comments: “As Brexit returns to the news again, the Leave/Remain divide returns as well but not as emphatically as before.
“Leave voters, on balance, think breaking international law is acceptable but only by 45 per cent to 31 per cent.
“Similarly, while 60 per cent believe Boris Johnson wants ‘no-deal’ in the event of a trade deal not being struck, Keir Starmer’s relative silence on the issue means efforts to portray him as a ‘re-joiner’ have not yet succeeded with only 23 per cent believing he would want to request to re-join the EU in the event of no trade deal.”
Related: The Conservatives sold themselves as the vanguards of democracy – but they are the destroyers