Brexit delay looks more likely — EU

A delay to Brexit is now unavoidable, even if British MPs sign off a deal next week, the European Commission has suggested.

Michel Barnier, the EU’s chief negotiator, indicated that a “technical” extension would be needed to implement a deal.

Sabine Weyand, his deputy, later “liked” a tweet summarising his comments, in English, as “extension now inavoidable [sic] — will be granted”.

Barnier’s comments confirm the private view of a significant number of the UK Cabinet that a limited delay is now inevitable.

Prime Minister Theresa May agreed to put the option to MPs if she fails to win a majority for her deal by March 12.

Barnier also indicated that the Commission was preparing to offer the UK a separate legal document that would reiterate a stipulation that the EU would use “best endeavours” to ensure the UK is not trapped in the Irish border “backstop”.

Barnier said that if a deal was approved on March 12 — 17 days from the current exit date — “and it takes two months to process this, it would be justified”.

Barnier said: “We can confirm, clarify and guarantee that we Europeans have goodwill, and that we will do everything we can in good faith to avoid using that backstop at all — or to do so for a short period — through a document with legal force.”

The comments suggest the EU is planning to elaborate on the so-called “best endeavours” clause.