European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has warned that the trade agreement between Britain and the European Union comes with "real teeth."

She told European lawmakers that the deal comes with a binding dispute mechanism and the possibility for unilateral remedial measures which she described as "tools." 

"Let me be clear: we do not want to have to use these tools. But we will not hesitate to use them if necessary.

"They are essential to ensure full compliance with the TCA [trade and cooperation agreement], and with the withdrawal agreement, which both were negotiated in such fine details and agreed by both sides."

Von der Leyen was addressing the European Parliament during its final debate on the trade and cooperation agreement between the European Union and Britain ahead of a vote that is anticipated to give the accord overwhelming approval. 

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She continued, "This agreement on paper is only as good as implementation and enforcement in practice.

"I share the concerns you have on unilateral actions taken by the United Kingdom since the agreement came into provisional application of protection from tax transparency in recent days and weeks, we have seen a new constructive dynamic and we will continue to work closely with the UK to find constructive solutions that respect what was agreed. We have obviously seen a number of issues arise since then."

There had been several doubts as to whether the vote would go ahead as parliament protested against British changes to trading agreements, a unilateral move which led to Brussels launching legal action. 

"I share the concerns you have on unilateral actions taken by the United Kingdom since the agreement came into provisional application" Von der Leyen said to MEPs.

She also added that there had been a more constructive tone in the discussions between the EU and Britain over the country's decision to extend a grace period on certain checks on goods arriving in Northern Ireland. Brussels sees the move as a breach of the Brexit divorce deal known as the Withdrawal Agreement and the specific protocol on Northern Ireland and Ireland.