Brexit, Boris and the Backstop: June Update
As the Tory leadership battle dominates the headlines, current front runner Boris Johnson continues to set out plans that head toward a No Deal Brexit.
In his most recent interview, Johnson admitted that he would need EU cooperation to avoid a hard border in Ireland or the crippling tariffs in the event of a no deal Brexit. There are questions around just how much the EU would be willing to cooperate if this were the case, especially in the absence of the Irish backstop or the settlement of the 39 billion euro divorce bill.
The EU are standing firm on their refusal to reopen the Withdrawal Agreement, and the extended departure date still remains as the 31 October 2019 with little will to extend in the absence of any real prospect of a deal. With Johnson claiming that negotiated Withdrawal Deal is dead, and having articulated no workable plans of his own, there are major indications that the UK is headed towards a no deal Brexit by default by the October deadline. In a recent article from Tony Connelly, he has quoted a senior EU official claim that some Conservatives have “redefined Brexit” and “turned Brexit into a No Deal”.
What about the role of parliament?
There are still questions about whether Parliament can prevent a no deal Brexit. Most recently, Labour tabled a motion on 12 June with the intent that MPs would take control of parliamentary time to debate a Bill linked to preventing a no deal Brexit. This was defeated by 309 votes to 298. It has been highlighted that parliament cannot stop a no deal Brexit on its own and needs to have the support of the Government, however an extension to Article 50 can only be decided by the EU27.
In recent days there have been warnings from some Conservatives that the government could collapse if Johnson continues to pursue a no deal.
What about the backstop?
Brexiteers continue to oppose the backstop, claiming that there are ready made technical solutions that could be utilised to prevent border checks and infrastructure. However, there is a real danger that border checks would instead, take place away from the border, which simply moves the problem elsewhere and creates problems for other public services. Suitable technical solutions do not yet exist which would deal with the Irish border, and given the sensitivities around the border and the fragility of the peace process, it would be a catastrophe if new technical solutions were tested here. See here for an example of the difficulties that the fishing industry here would face as a result of a technical solution. The backstop is essential to protect the peace agreement, cross border cooperation and to act as an insurance policy in any breakdown in negotiations.
What is next?
Whilst the political focus remains very much on the Tory leadership race, NICVA has joined other civil society groups in warning of a no deal Brexit emergency. Meanwhile in the EU, they are focussing on their own leadership debate with top jobs such as Presidents of the European Commission and European Council up for grabs however, the EU position of non-negotiation of the Withdrawal Agreement has been reiterated. In the meantime, it’s worth keeping an eye on what comes out of this Alternative Arrangements Commission.
Share Article...
NICVA Brexit Articles Timeline
Brexit and the impact on data transfer
19 Mar 2021Brexit and Your Rights webinar
10 Dec 2020Sustainable Development Goals Forum
26 Feb 2020NICVA's New Year's Round Up
6 Jan 2020A Common Purpose for Our Environment
19 Dec 2019Advice for Brexit Preparation
4 Oct 2019Brexit Updates and #NoToNoDeal
6 Sep 2019This is no time to suspend Parliament
28 Aug 2019Brexit, Boris and the Backstop: June Update
25 Jun 2019EU Settlement Scheme Explainer
13 Nov 2018What does a no-deal Brexit mean?
30 Aug 2018Department of Health Brexit update, July 2018
11 Jul 2018Dominic Raab appointed Brexit Secretary
9 Jul 2018June Brexit Update
27 Jun 2018May 2018 Brexit Update
15 May 2018The Latest on Brexit
15 Mar 2018Anniversary of Article 50 #5BrexitQs
6 Mar 2018Update on the EU Withdrawal Bill
19 Feb 2018UK-EU Brexit Deal…. What are the details?
11 Dec 2017Brexit case studies - can you help?
6 Oct 2017NICVA Position Paper on Brexit
24 Jul 2017Brexit Engagement: Justice
5 Jun 2017Five key messages as Brexit negotiations go live
29 Mar 2017Brexit – How will it affect you?
22 Feb 2017Brexit White Paper. Too Long; Didn't Read
3 Feb 2017Theresa May Brexit Speech – What did we learn?
18 Jan 2017First Brexit Roundtable with Secretary of State
16 Dec 2016Impact of Brexit and Rights on NI
14 Oct 2016Assembly Oral Questions on Brexit
10 Oct 2016NICVA meet with Minister for Exiting the EU
7 Oct 2016NICVA Update on EU Referendum.
1 Jul 2016Why is NICVA supporting In?
25 May 2016NICVA support remain position in EU Referendum
25 May 2016EU Referendum and the VCSE sector
18 Apr 2016
Subscribe to eNews
Share your COVID-19 support service
Organisations providing support to people and communities can share their service information here
Not a NICVA member yet?
Save time, money and energy. Join NICVA and you’ll be connecting in to a strong network of local organisations focused on voluntary and community activity.
Join UsNICVA now welcomes all small groups for free.