We are independent lawyers from a wide cross section of political beliefs, and none, who share concern at the growing tendency for legal and constitutional principles to be invoked as if they were knock-down arguments for or against political choices. It is suggested the government’s Internal Market Bill might breach the rule of law by making possible a future breach of international law in the Northern Ireland protocol to the Withdrawal Agreement.
The rule of law is an important element in our constitution, but so too is parliamentary sovereignty. It is inherent in parliamentary sovereignty that the Queen in parliament may legislate in a manner inconsistent with international law, and prospectively authorise actions which would breach international law.
Our constitution does not require unquestioning obedience
