Johnson does not want the country's borders to be dictated by "foreign power"

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Prime Minister Boris Johnson in the House of Commons on September 14

Photo: - / AFP

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson defended his controversial single market law before the House of Commons.

No situation should arise "in which the borders of our country are dictated by a foreign power or an international organization," said Johnson with regard to the previously planned special rules for Northern Ireland, which are part of the Brexit agreement.

According to Johnson, the European Union wants to pull customs borders through Great Britain.

"We have to protect the country's territorial integrity," continued Johnson.

Johnson also accuses the EU of blackmail.

The EU did not take the "revolver" off the table during the negotiations - and is threatening London with blocking exports to Northern Ireland.

Johnson wants to use the so-called Single Market Act to partially nullify the current EU exit deal.

It is about long controversial special rules for the British Northern Ireland, which should prevent a hard border with the EU state Ireland and new hostilities there.

Brexit advocates criticize this as Northern Ireland could be decoupled from the rest of the UK.

Several ex-prime ministers, including conservatives like John Major, Theresa May and David Cameron, had clearly distanced themselves from Johnson's plans.

Ex-attorney general Geoffrey Cox also accused Johnson of damaging Britain's reputation.

The planned introduction of the law was unreasonable, said the Tory MP of the "Times" - and announced that he would not support it.

According to Cox, there is "no doubt" that the "unpleasant" consequences of the Brexit agreement were already known when Johnson signed it.

Is there a threat that the negotiations will fail?

For the European Union, Johnson's plan is a violation of the law.

Brussels therefore asked London to give in by the end of September.

Critics fear that the planned law could be the death knell for the trade contract that is to regulate future economic relations.

After the end of the Brexit transition phase, there is a risk of a hard break with tariffs and high trade barriers without a contract

Should Johnson actually get the law off the ground, it will have to pass parliament first.

In a week the decisive vote would be in the lower house, after which the law would have to be approved by the upper house.

According to media reports, up to 30 MPs from the ruling Conservatives could refuse to follow Johnson.

The Prime Minister has a majority of 80 votes in the lower house.

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bah / dpa / Reuters / AFP