‘Don’t like it? Tough!’ EU’s legal threat against UK destroyed as furious trade row erupts

Brexit: Three times Boris Johnson shut down Ian Blackford

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The EU is furious at plans to boost British jobs by demanding offshore wind firms submit plans showing how they will ensure more parts are made in the UK by 2030. France and Spain are leading the furious reaction shared among member states, and have demanded the European Commission step in and take action. They have claimed contracts totalling billions of pounds for new wind farms must be opened up to companies on the continent.

Brussels has also claimed the UK Government is breaking the terms of the Brexit trade agreement signed between the two sides in December 2020.

The EU had been expected to launch a formal dispute at World Trade Organisation (WTO), according to The Sun.

A Whitehall source told the newspaper: “With Britain snapping up offshore wind factories and the thousands of jobs they come with, it’s no surprise Brussels are throwing their toys out of the pram.

“They’re clearly envious of the progress we’re making.”

Now Britons have launched a scathing attack against the EU as post-Brexit tensions risk exploding once again.

Reacting to our initial story, Express.co.uk reader “sam the man” raged: “We will only be doing what the EU is already doing and putting our companies first.

“If they don’t like it, tough!”

Fellow reader “bru62” wrote: “The EU, the biggest protectionist club in the world, wants to take us to court? Laughable.”

“Spooks” boasted: “The UK starting to reclaim some of the industry that was bribed away over the decades by the EU, to weaken the UK and therefore make them more subservient.”

“SanjayP” said: “So, the EU thought they could retain privileges after Brexit. Nope.”

“MountErebus” added: “Brexit Britain again outmanoeuvring the EU.”

The latest demands from the EU would threaten thousands of jobs for Britons, but UK ministers have vowed to hit back at the legal challenge from Brussels.

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Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng warned Britain would “rigorously contest” any action taken by the European Commission.

Bracing for the matter to be raised with the WTO, a Government spokesperson said they would “wait to see what action they may take”.

The official said: “We are aware that the EU has concerns with the UK’s Contracts for Difference Scheme and have previously engaged with them on this.

“We wait to see what action they may take, but would contest any challenge the EU brought against the UK on this matter.

“CfD auctions are a vital part of our efforts to drive down the cost of renewable energy.

“The application process does not include a requirement for developers to use UK content, as alleged by the EU.

“The fourth CfD allocation round is expected to secure more renewable energy capacity than the previous three rounds and we fully expect it to continue uninterrupted regardless.”

On Wednesday during Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) in the House of Commons, Boris Johnson accused Brussels of implementing the Northern Ireland Protocol in an “insane” and petty way.

He told ministers: “I never thought, when we negotiated, that it would mean 200 businesses would stop supplying Northern Ireland, foods being blocked and Christmas cards being surcharged.

“Frankly, the EU is implementing this in an insane and pettifogging way. We need to sort it out.”

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