Thread by @tconnellyRTE

Quick take on May-Juncker statement:

Both discussed “which guarantees cd be given with regard to the backstop that underlines once again its temporary nature & give the appropriate legal assurance to both sides.”

“Once again”, ie EU is repeating what it has already explained

“Appropriate legal assurances...” Not clear if this goes as far as “legally binding changes” or “commitments”. It’s also qualified as giving assurance to “both sides”, ie that the backstop will be legally operable whatever the outcome?

”Both reconfirmed their commitment to avoiding a hard border on the island of Ireland + to respect the integrity of the EU's internal mkt + of the United Kingdom.” This restates the Joint Report- notable perhaps that it’s only the integrity of the UK and not also its internal mkt

Both discussed “the role alternative arrangements could play in replacing the backstop in future”. This is already catered for in the WA, so it kind of neuters the Brady Amendment. ie Alternative arrangements are fine, but only in the future and only if they’re proven to work

Michel Barnier and Stephen Barclay will “consider” the process the European Commission and the UK will follow in this regard. That sounds vague, but I cd be wrong.

They’ll also “consider whether additions or changes to the Political Declaration can be made that are consistent with the EU & UK positions and increase confidence in the focus and ambition of both sides in delivering the future partnership envisaged as soon as possible”

This gets back to the EU’s offer of adapting the PD as a way to making the backstop less offensive. Nothing new here, in other words.

All told, not a lot here for the ERG/DUP. Let’s see what Geoffrey Cox & Stephen Barclay come up with in Bxl tomorrow.

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