Something that isn’t being mentioned in current UK discussion about people’s votes and no deal: Art. 50 is a one-way valve.
As it stands, the UK is out of the EU on 30/3/19 by operation of law. But if it changes its mind that bright Saturday morn, it’s too late.
As it stands, the UK is out of the EU on 30/3/19 by operation of law. But if it changes its mind that bright Saturday morn, it’s too late.
It’s too late, because if the UK is out, by operation of law under Art. 50 (5), it can only return via the Art. 49 process.
And that means the full accession process. Faster, certainly, given the acquis, but full accession in all aspects.
And that means the full accession process. Faster, certainly, given the acquis, but full accession in all aspects.
All those little opt-outs so carefully carved out over 40 years of skilled diplomacy - Schengen, the Euro, home and justice affairs - they are gone, by operation of law, at midnight CET, 29/3/19, and they are gone for good.
Once over the cliff, gravity goes one way only, and it’s no use changing your mind about the direction of travel half-way down: you’re not getting back up to the cliff-edge unmarked and unruffled.
So, the UK has no preparation for a No Deal, no way back to the status quo ante in the event of leaving, and 36 weeks before it’s over the cliff.
One might suggest that any UK politician not panicking by now doesn’t understand enough about this to be able to find a solution.
But a solution they must find, be it agreement, extension or both, and they have to find it fast.
But a solution they must find, be it agreement, extension or both, and they have to find it fast.
