Brexit: the last hurdle to overcome – and chaos around May worsens

In fact, the Brexit negotiations should already be over, but no agreement with the EU is still concluded. On the contrary: this Friday, developments in London have again made headlines. In Theresa May's government, opposition to the prime minister increases.

May must once again face the departure of one of his ministers. It also seems doubtful that the Prime Minister could even find a majority for an agreement in Parliament with the European Union.

He must also overcome one last obstacle in the Brexit negotiations: the regulation on the border between Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Regarding the negotiations – in a nutshell.

What are we talking about?

► The design of the future border between Ireland (EU member) and Northern Ireland (part of UK) is the last major problem to solve before an agreement on Brexit.

► London and Brussels want to avoid border checks between Ireland and Northern Ireland. However, if Britain leaves the customs union and the EU internal market as planned, controls would be needed.

► The solution proposed by BrusselsBefore signing the withdrawal agreement, both parties should agree that in the event of an emergency, Northern Ireland would remain an integral part of the customs union and the single market at the time. following the failure of a trade agreement.

► May this emergency plan of the eU always rejected. Because she fears that border controls will then take place in Britain, between Northern Ireland and the rest of Britain.

► In addition, May must also satisfy another party to the negotiations: the DUP.

► May party works in parliament Protestant DUP from Northern Ireland otherwise, she would not have a majority.

► The DUP absolutely wants to prevent a special status for Northern Ireland, as proposed by the EU in its emergency plan.

► May needs the votes of the DUP when Parliament decides on the withdrawal agreement with the EU.

► The UK is expected to comply with the EU Customs Union rules in a transitional phase. Whether it works or not, not only the EU itself skeptical – but also some cabinet ministers sitting in May.

► Transport Minister Jo Johnson resigned Friday. The proposed agreement will divide the UK EU, he said. And called for a new referendum.

Is this realistic?

► not really. May has always ruled out a second referendum on Brexit. The opposition does not agree that another referendum or new elections would be the best solution.

And how is it now?

► The UK government is still hoping for a quick breakthrough in the negotiations in Brussels – also against internal resistance.

► This could give a "new impetus" to the London Parliament, said Deputy Prime Minister David Lidington after an interview with Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar and other leaders of Isle of Man. "I hope and believe that we can get a majority in Parliament for the agreement," added Lidington.

► Therefore, the state of affairs at Brexit remains: There is no progress.

► It is also unclear if and when the special summit originally scheduled for November will take place, when the withdrawal agreement will finally be sealed.

In a few words:

Time is running out for Brexit negotiations, and key issues that have been dragging on for months are still unresolved. The pressure on the month of May increases and the chances of a messy Brexit are high.

If we do not reach an agreement in time, the economy on both sides of the Channel will suffer badly.