SPECULATION was mounting last night around British government plans to publish new legislation that could breach the terms of the Brexit deal on Northern Ireland.
It is understood the Treasury is expected to introduce a Finance Bill by the end of this week that will contain clauses that potentially break international law, specifically around the imposition of checks on the border.
Part of the agreement struck by Prime Minister Boris Johnson last year enabled Brexit to occur without the need for checks on the island.
However, the BBC has reported the new bill will contain legislation required for customs and VAT for the UK's new position outside of the European Union (EU) single market and customs union.
Reports suggested there will serious ramifications for the border if the 'Joint Committee' - the UK and EU body responsible for overseeing the Brexit withdrawal agreement - fail to decide which good which goods crossing the Irish Sea from Great Britain to Northern Ireland are deemed "at risk" of being exported to the EU via Northern Ireland.
In four weeks time, the 12-month post-Brexit transition period that sees the UK continue to follow EU regulations will expire.
Last month, the Republic's foreign affairs minister Simon Coveney gave assurances that if no agreement with Britain is reached, the EU will not impose checks on the border.
Mr Coveney said he was hopeful the controversial British government bill that could break international law will become irrelevant if EU and UK leaders can strike a deal.
