The Guardian view on Boris Johnson, Brexit and the law: wilful incompetence | Editorial

The prime minister believes that provoking chaos will get him a better deal in EU negotiations. He is wrong

To outside observers of Boris Johnson's government, it can be difficult to tell the difference between partisan provocation and rank incompetence. Both generate an aura of chaos. It does not help that members of Mr Johnson's own cabinet also struggle to understand what is going on.

On a question as vital as the UK's willingness to observe international law, there is confusion at the highest levels. Earlier this week, the Conservative frontbench voted for the internal market bill that repudiates aspects of the Brexit withdrawal agreement, thus reneging on a ratified treaty. Ministers who worry that they are breaking international law comfort themselves that the breach is insubstantial. It is only limited and specific", or so Brandon Lewis, the Northern Ireland secretary, told the Commons.