"If we fail to get an agreement... then let us be in no doubt that the alternative is no deal,” said the PM in his speech just now but there is another alternative: (yet) another Brexit extension. And Parliament and the EU think that is the most likely next step /1
EU is going by the Benn Act. Recent Supreme Court ruling underlined the sovereignty of parliament. Parliament approved the Benn Act. The EU’s Article 50 text says an extension must be approved by EU countries plus the leaving member state. /2
Article 50 does not specify the extension must be approved by the government of the leaving member state .. So there is room for a court / representative of parliament to request and approve extension on UKs behalf /3
The PM is right when he says the EU does not negotiate with parliaments. It negotiates with governments BUT this would not be negotiations but rather the asking for and approving of a new Brexit extension /4
V uncomfortable situation for the EU which has wanted to avoid being emboiled in U.K. domestic politics but possible all the same /5
