UK Justice Secretary ‘will resign’ if international law broken over Brexit

The Justice Secretary has said he will resign if the UK Government breaks the law “in a way that I find unacceptable” amid growing criticism of Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s Brexit plans.

UK Justice Secretary Robert Buckland

Robert Buckland insisted he does not believe the UK will “get to that stage”, insisting legislation that could break international law was a “break the glass in emergency provision if we need it”.

His defence came as Irish foreign affairs minister Simon Coveney said the UK was damaging its international reputation as he hit out as Mr Johnson’s “spin” in denying that Europe could impose a “blockade” between Britain and Northern Ireland.

The Prime Minister is under increasing pressure to back down on plans to override elements of his own Withdrawal Agreement, with former leaders calling on Tory rebels to vote his Bill down.

As Justice Secretary, Mr Buckland has faced calls to explain how the plans are consistent with obligations under international law and was pressed yesterday over whether he would resign.

“If I see the rule of law being broken in a way I find unacceptable then of course I will go,” he told The Andrew Marr Show on the BBC.

“I don’t believe we’re going to get to that stage. I know in my mind what I have to do. But the Government collectively here also has a responsibility, we’ve got to resolve any conflict that’s what we will do.”

His Labour shadow, David Lammy, accused Mr Buckland of “putting career before country”, adding: “Each time the Government breaks the law it’s a travesty.”