More time?
Theresa May has opened the door to the possibility of an even longer Brexit transition period.
The Prime Minister brought up the possibility of an extension during meetings with EU leaders in Brussels on Wednesday in an effort to get passed a deadlock in negotiations.
The prime minister reportedly told the meeting that she was ready to consider extending the Brexit transition period as part of a compromise on the Irish border disagreement.
It’s thought that both sides have mentioned such a possibility after talks dramatically broke down earlier this week, just months away from the UK’s exit from the EU.
“It was mentioned – both sides mentioned the idea of an extension of a transition period as one possibility that is one the table and would be looked into,” European Parliament president Antonio Tajani said, according to the Independent UK.
“Theresa May, during her speech, said it’s possible to achieve an agreement also on a transition period, but not with a clear position on the timing.”
The news is likely to be greeted with dissent from Brexiteers in the UK who wish to split from the bloc.
Prominent ‘Leave’ figures have already voiced their displeasure about the news.
Mrs May’s acceptance of an extension to the transition period will take us to the next general election which may mean we never leave at all.
— Nigel Farage (@Nigel_Farage) October 17, 2018
It’s also thought that May agreed that there cannot be a time limit on the Northern Ireland backstop, as agreed last December as an insurance policy. Something that Simon Coveney mentioned during his heated interview on the BBC earlier on Wednesday.
The leaders are expected to announce on Thursday whether or not they will hold a special summit in November to finalise a Brexit deal.
President of the European Council Donald Tusk has previously indicated that if May and Barnier do not make significant progress towards a draft deal he will not call the planned November summit.
The matter could be pushed until December and the EU may use the November summit to discuss the possibility of a no-deal Brexit.
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