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By ALESSANDRA SCOTTO DI SANTOLO PUBLISHED: 09:05, Tue, Apr 27, 2021 | UPDATED: 10:08, Tue, Apr 27, 2021 272Comment sectionShare on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare on PinterestCopy link Brexit is a 'failure' for the EU says Michel Barnier Sign up for FREE now and never miss the top politics stories again Enter your email address here SUBSCRIBE When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Sometimes they'll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. Our Privacy Notice explains more about how we use your data, and your rights. You can unsubscribe at any time. Addressing the European Parliament ahead of MEPs' vote on the UK-EU Brexit agreement, the leader of the Social and Democrats group said Boris Johnson failed to keep his promises to Brexiteers as both Northern Ireland and Gibraltar remain effectively shackled to the EU. She also warned London will be punished unless it respects the rules of fair competition. RELATED ARTICLES Watch out, Britain: VDL promises to punish UK if Brexit deal broken... 'Brexit is a serious mistake!' EU MEP attacks Leave voters She said: "The loss of a significant partner is no reason to celebrate but after four years of complex negotiations we can state that the key goal of the EU in maintaining an area of free trade of goods with the UK, based on the motto of zero tariffs, zero quotas and zero unfair competition, has been achieved. "Mr Barnier, I would like to pass on the thanks of the Social and Democrats group, conscious of the huge efforts required by the particularly difficult circumstances caused by the pandemic and the intransigent attitude on the other side of the channel. "Brexit represents the big lie of the British right. "Boris Johnson promised the UK the recovery of full sovereignty over its frontiers, its laws and waters. "The reality is that Northern Ireland is still part of the customs union and the internal market of the European Union and Gibraltar will be joining the Schengen. "And it will be Madrid which will guarantee that Schengen legislation is applied there. brexit latest iratxe garcia perez london madrid Brexit latest: Spanish MEP Iratxe Garcia Perez threatened London over 'unfair competition' (Image: EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT) "London will be subject to penalisation if there is unfair competition when it comes to physical labour and environmental standards." Opening the debate, Ursula von der Leyen said the European Union "will not hesitate" to use dispute resolution mechanisms in the Brexit deal if the UK breaches the agreement. Ms von der Leyen told the European Parliament the agreement protects citizens and their rights, helps to avoid "significant disruptions for workers and travellers, from the fishing community to the business community". The Trade and Co-operation Agreement (TCA) "protects European interests and preserves the integrity of our single market" and "ensures high levels of protection on everything from social and labour rights, to environmental protection, to tax transparency and state aid". The agreement has "real teeth", with a binding dispute resolution mechanism and the possibility for "unilateral remedial measures where necessary". READ MORE: French MEP turns on EU and admits plot to make UK pay TRENDING 'Divisive' Sturgeon sparks fury on Marr for refusing to admit damage of independence 'Divisive' Sturgeon sparks fury on Marr for refusing to admit damage of independence Brexit latest: Brussels hardball tactic obliterated by damning new report - 'EU needs UK!' Brexit latest: Brussels hardball tactic obliterated by damning new report - 'EU needs UK!' ‘Will be end of her quest!’ Sturgeon should be forced to admit true cost of independence ‘Will be end of her quest!’ Sturgeon should be forced to admit true cost of independence The commission president added: "Let me be clear: We do not want to have to use these tools. But we will not hesitate to use them if necessary." Ms von der Leyen acknowledged that some MEPs would be reluctant to approve the Brexit trade deal because of the UK's unilateral decision not to fully implement parts of the Northern Ireland Protocol. She said the trade deal is only as good as its "implementation and enforcement in practice". She added: "I share the concerns you have on unilateral actions by the United Kingdom since the agreement came into provisional application. "We have obviously seen a number of issues arise since then. Some were to be expected, others are teething issues, and many are the consequence of the type of Brexit the UK chose. DON'T MISS: Britons furious as UK expats targeted by vindictive EU officials [INSIGHT] Britons attack 'incompetent' EU as flaws exposed by Covid stats [REACTION] Finance chief says UK doesn't need to sign up to EU deal [VIDEO] brexit news ursula von der leyen Brexit news: Ursula von der Leyen said the EU won't hesitate to ensure the UK will follow the rules (Image: EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT)