Charlie Stayt blasts Michael Gove over ‘law-breaking’ Brexit plan ‘Changed your tune!’

Last week, Brandon Lewis, the British minister responsible for Northern Ireland, admitted the Government’s new Brexit plans will break international law. Michael Gove appeared on BBC Breakfast this morning to address this revelation and was slammed by Charlie Stayt for the Government “changing” position on Northern Ireland.

The BBC host said: “Michael Gove, I want to be clear. I quoted Brandon Lewis’ comments that this Government intends to break international law.

“Is the Government changing its line? Are you saying this will not be breaking international law? Are you saying something different?”

“No, I’m not,” Gove replied. “I think it’s vitally important that we are clear and concise about the position as the Attorney General was.

“And she outlined that what we’re doing is consistent with the rule of law.”

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Charlie Stayt slammed Michael Gove over the latest Brexit plans (Image: BBC)

Charlie Stayt clashed with Gove on comments made by Brandon Lewis (Image: BBC)

“Now, again these are matters where one needs to look at the detail at the precise wording of the withdrawal agreement and the protocol,” Gove continued.

“And one of the things we are doing is making sure that we apply the withdrawal agreement and apply the protocol.

“But we are not in a position where the European Union can seek to use (I sincerely hope they won’t, I don’t think they will, but we need to be ready for it) the sorts of measures that would damage the United Kingdom.”

Stayt said: “The truth here surely is that when the deal was originally done, the withdrawal agreement, in a rush to get it done you ditched a whole bunch of issues relating to Northern Ireland.

Charlie Stayt blasted Gove for the Government’s “law-breaking” plan (Image: BBC)

Charlie Stayt quizzed Gove on comments he had said earlier in the year on Northern Ireland (Image: BBC)

“And I’m looking back, you were talking in July 2020, your own words on the withdrawal agreement, ‘This does mean there are a significant amount of issues like Northern Ireland’s position that are now resolved.’”

“You were happy then and you’ve changed your tune,” he added.

“Well the protocol is being implemented by us because we believe that it does secure Northern Ireland’s position in the United Kingdom,” Gove replied.

“But it’s the case as the Prime Minister has spelt out that some of the actions of the EU have shown that they could be prepared to take certain steps which would threaten the integrity of our United Kingdom.”

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“And that’s why we need to have this safety net, this long-stop which we do not wish to use, we do not intend to use,” he continued. 

“But if we have to we will because ultimately our responsibility as ministers is to safeguard the security, the integrity and the economic life of all the citizens of the UK.”

“Sounds like you don’t trust them,” Stayt commented. 

“Well I believe in any negotiation you should seek to build trust I think progress has been made,” Gove hit back.

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“I’m looking forward to progress being made but I think the important thing, as any prudent Government would, that we’re ready for every eventuality.”

“It sounds like you don’t trust them,” Stayt repeated. 

“No, I’ve got a good relationship with the people I talk to in the European Union I have been working very well with the EU Vice President in order to ensure we do make progress and have made progress on implementing the protocol,” Gove replied. 

BBC Breakfast airs daily on BBC One at 6am.