Brexit bill criticised as 'eye-watering' breach of international law

Downing Street defends bill after outcry from Brussels, legal experts and some Tory MPs

• Johnson has undermined trust, says EU

The government has unveiled plans to give ministers sweeping powers to disapply" part of the Brexit deal that Boris Johnson signed in January, in a move that has shocked Brussels and threatens to provoke a rebellion by Tory MPs.

Cabinet ministers have admitted the bill breaks international law. But Johnson's spokesman defended the change on Wednesday, saying it was necessary clarification of an agreement that had been rushed through in January.