Six Scottish Church leaders have sent a letter to MPs and the House of Lords voicing grave, shared concerns over the Internal Market Bill, which they say sets a ‘disastrous precedent’ that risks breaking international law.

The letter warns that the passing of the legislation by the UK Parliament strains the devolution settlement by failing to seek the consent of the Scottish Parliament, threatens the delicate balance of peace in Northern Ireland and that passing a Bill for Royal Assent would place the Queen in the difficult position of having to sign legislation which breaks international law.

Signed by the Rt Rev Dr Martin Fair for the Church of Scotland, Archbishop Leo Cushley for the Roman Catholic Church, the Rt Rev John Armes for the Scottish Episcopal Church and three other senior church leaders, the letter calls on MPs and Peers to debate these issues and make representations to the UK Government.