EU drafting legislation to prepare for ‘doomsday’ Protocol legislation

Fine Gael MEP for Ireland South Seán Kelly has been appointed lead author in finalising the draft legislation

Irish MEP Seán Kelly speaks at an EP plenary session (EP/PA)

The EU has drafted legislation that aims to strengthen the bloc’s hand in taking action against the UK over possible breaches of the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement and EU-UK trade deal.

It comes weeks after the UK tabled legislation to give ministers powers to override elements of the Northern Ireland Protocol, which was jointly agreed by the UK and EU as part of the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement to keep the Irish land border free-flowing.