UK Internal Market Bill Northern Ireland 2020-09-24
2020-09-24
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The United Kingdom Internal Market Bill is under discussion and has raised concerns about its legality.
What discussions have you had with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on the United Kingdom Internal Market Bill?
I regularly meet the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland to discuss important issues. The UKIM Bill is a landmark legislation safeguarding and enriching the Union, creating legal safety nets and taking powers in reserve to guarantee UK integrity and protect the peace process.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not specify any specific discussions or agreements on implementing the bill
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Concerns about the legality of the UKIM Bill have been raised.
So it does not break any law, does it?
Considering and voting for this Bill do not constitute a breach of law. However, powers in the Bill can disapply treaty obligations if exercised, making it constitutional due to parliamentary supremacy.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide explicit confirmation that the bill does not break any laws
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Former UK Prime Ministers have expressed concerns about the bill breaking international law.
The last five former UK PMs share concern over breaking international law through the UKIM Bill. The Northern Ireland Secretary said it would break the law in a specific and limited way, while the Attorney General's predecessor called this 'unconscionable.' Are they all wrong?
In law, the Government can act as proposed; in practice, political debate determines appropriateness. Parliamentary supremacy prevails over international law.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address whether former PMs and AG's predecessor were correct
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The Attorney General is expected to defend the rule of law, but questions arise about her actions regarding the bill.
The Government Law Officers must uphold the rule of law without fear or favour. The questioner challenges if the AG has upheld this principle in light of the UKIM Bill's breach of international law.
Supporting the Bill protects the country and safeguards the Union. Calling this un-patriotic is illogical, doing a disservice to national interests.
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Assessment & feedback
Shifted focus from defending rule of law to patriotism instead
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The Attorney General's loyalty to the rule of law is questioned due to her support for the bill.
The Attorney General has prioritized political loyalties over legal principles, illustrating why future AGs should be lawyers not party politicians.
Legal basis for Government's proposals was set out in statements, clarifying it is constitutional to enact legislation potentially breaching international law or treaty obligations.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address concerns about political loyalty versus legal principles
Response accuracy