The dead tree press has caught up with Guido’s reporting on the ill-fated smoking ban. It violates the Windsor Framework through its imposition in Northern Ireland…
Now seven EU nations have put in formal submissions of concern about the legislation, which goes to report stage in the Lords today at about 4 p.m. Croatia, the Czech Republic, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Romania, and Slovakia…
British authorities have so far refused to publish any guidance of theirs which proves the ban won’t violate the Framework. A legal ‘discussion’ will take place with the EU and could result in formal action from the bloc if single market rules are deemed to have been breached. The British government will attempt to avoid this – it is so far remaining bullish. The DHSC says:
“We have provided a comprehensive response to the European Commission on the detailed opinions received, setting out the reasons why our smoke-free generation policy is fully compatible with our international treaty obligations in Northern Ireland.”
In November a government spokesperson said: “The Bill is not blocked, it’s not delayed, and we expect it to apply to the whole UK.” ‘Expect’…
Asked about warnings of a civil war in an interview with The House, Reform MP Danny Kruger said:
“Yeah. The only chance of unity for our country is Reform. If we don’t win, or if we win and then make a mess of it, I do fear for our country.”