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It seems there is a new #Brexit 'solution' doing the rounds.
It is based on this tweet:
With extra detail here:
Let's call it "infinite transition to avoid the Backstop"
It is based on this tweet:
With extra detail here:
Let's call it "infinite transition to avoid the Backstop"
The Tories have made a load of noise about the Backstop for a long time. They have made it *the* problem.
The best they came up with was to replace it with "alternative arrangements" but could not articulate what those were.
The best they came up with was to replace it with "alternative arrangements" but could not articulate what those were.
The new wheeze is combine changes to the Brexit transition period with the elimination of the Backstop.
Instead of the Backstop being needed when Britain's EU transition period ends at end of 2020/22, the transition wouldn't be time limited.
Instead of the Backstop being needed when Britain's EU transition period ends at end of 2020/22, the transition wouldn't be time limited.
The transition period would only end once systems were in place to ensure no hard border in Ireland - one presumes some sort of technical solutions, along the lines of the Malthouse Compromise.
The problem is that we *still* do not know how those systems would work, or how long it would take for them to be agreed and implemented...
So while this solution would negate the need for the Backstop, it could keep the UK to all intents and purposes within the EU (just with no say, no MEPs, no Commissioner) for something like a decade.
And this is being floated as something that would be *preferable* for Brexiters than the current backstop proposal?
Strikes me they'd have to be highly foolish to go for this. But then again... maybe they are?
Strikes me they'd have to be highly foolish to go for this. But then again... maybe they are?
Also this would entail opening the Withdrawal Agreement, but the EU might be able to live with this change I think.
Views from @MESandbu @AndrewDuffEU @KeithRTomlinson would be welcome, plus thoughts of those who write a lot about border issues - @SamuelMarcLowe @BrigidLaffan @hayward_katy
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