What happened to Boris Johnson’s ‘oven-ready’ Brexit deal? - BBC Newsnight

Is the government getting ready to tear up a treaty its already signed to get the Brexit it wants? Subscribe to our channel here: https://goo.gl/31Q53F

Ministers are planning new legislation that could override a key part of last year's EU withdrawal agreement.

The move could change the nature of new Northern Ireland customs arrangements intended to prevent a return to checks at the border with the Irish Republic.

Downing Street said it was a standby plan in case EU-UK trade talks fail.

Boris Johnson said that, if a trade deal is not reached by 15 October, both sides should "move on", which would still be a "good outcome".

Is this an attempt to torpedo the whole process? And is this bluff or a declaration of intent?

Political Editor Nick Watt reports. Mark Urban is joined by chair of the committee on the future relationship with the EU Hilary Benn, member of the European parliament's UK coordination group Philippe Lamberts and chair of the pro-Brexit group Lawyers for Britain Martin Howe QC.

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