Brexit: EU insists on ‘fully workable’ Backstop fix

The European Union insisted that a “fully workable and legally operational” solution to the Irish border issue must be included in any Brexit deal, after suggestions from the UK that the details could be worked out after October 31.
By The Newsroom
Published 20th Sep 2019, 23:35 BST
Michel Barnier, chief negotiator for the EU, pictured at the Peace Bridge in Londonderry. (archive image)Michel Barnier, chief negotiator for the EU, pictured at the Peace Bridge in Londonderry. (archive image)
Michel Barnier, chief negotiator for the EU, pictured at the Peace Bridge in Londonderry. (archive image)

Brussels’ chief negotiator Michel Barnier and Steve Barclay met for talks described as “serious, detailed discussions” by the Brexit Secretary.

The UK has put forward a “first set of concepts, principles and ideas”, Brussels said, but it was “essential” that a way of avoiding a hard border with Ireland was included in the Withdrawal Agreement.

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Prime Minister Boris Johnson has insisted that the backstop - the contingency plan which will keep the UK closely tied to EU rules if no other measures are in place to avoid a hard border - must be scrapped.

Mr Barclay has suggested that the final details of alternative arrangements would not necessarily have to be agreed until December 2020, if a deal can be reached.

But in a statement released following the talks between Mr Barclay and Mr Barnier, the European Commission said: “It is essential that there is a fully workable and legally operational solution included in the Withdrawal Agreement.

“We remain willing and open to examine any such proposals that meet all the objectives of the backstop,” he added.

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Mr Barnier said the work on Brexit would continue with “full respect” to the UK, “our partner and ally”.

But he added: “The EU will remain vigilant and continue to apply all EU principles and values.”

Their meeting came after Simon Coveney, Ireland’s deputy prime minister played down the prospect of an imminent Brexit breakthrough, pointing to a “wide gap” between Mr Johnson’s position and that of the European Union.

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte suggested a deal would be possible by October 31 - “with a few nights of hard work a lot can be done” - but the UK must produce “real, specific proposals”.

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Further Brexit talks will take place in the US next week as world leaders gather for the United Nations general assembly.

European Council president Donald Tusk will meet Irish leader Leo Varadkar and Germany’s Angela Merkel before sitting down with Mr Johnson on Monday in New York.

Related topics:BrexitBoris Johnson