Boris Johnson has written to EU accepting the new #Brexit extension which, he writes, was “imposed” on his government (by Parliament) /1
The PM urges EU to make clear that a further extension after 31 January is not possible. EU highly unlikely to do this. Its main goal is to avoid a no deal #Brexit (whilst safeguarding its red lines in negotiations) /2
In back of EU minds is the possibility (after 3 years of false dawns during the Brexit process) that Brussels may be asked for yet another extension come January .. if a general election proves inconclusive regarding #Brexit etc. It would then grant one to avoid no deal /3
Even if EU were to say: “no more extensions” in an attempt to focus MPs minds on newly negotiated Brexit deal -as Brussels would like - then that EU pledge would be worth as much as the previous EU promise “never to reopen the Withdrawal Agreement” /4
For the EU, needs must. It won’t make concessions that really hurt the bloc. Eg PM accepted a customs division in the Irish Sea during negotiations. The EU would not accept his Alternative Arrangement offer it believed wld damage single market but /5
Re-opening part of the #Brexit Withdrawal Agreement or accepting yet another Brexit extension to avoid no deal - it’s doable for the EU, even if EU leaders would much prefer not to /6
As for this new extension: EU leaders now need to personally see and sign off on the #Brexit extension plus accompanying EU declaration. A formality but necessary under EU law. Then extension is official. /7
