A chance to think hard about Brexit

THERESA May’s willingness to consider a longer transition period – the time Britain will spend formally out of the EU but still abiding by its rules and enjoying many of the benefits of membership – has triggered a wave of criticism.

Jacob Rees-Mogg, one of the most influential Brexiteers, described it as “a rather poor attempt at kicking the can down the road”.

Opponents find the idea of taking EU rules without having a say in making the regulations hard to swallow; the idea that we could end up contributing more to EU funds is just too much to take.

However, with the UK Government scrambling to secure a withdrawal agreement before time runs out, it is easy to see why Mrs May likes the idea of a PM having more time to negotiate the critical future trade deal with the EU. It would also provide a longer period in which to lay the groundwork for international deals.

The transition period is due to end on December 31, 2020. That will come around fast, and the negotiations could prove even more fraught and complex that those which are underway today.

Some Brexiteers will fear that this is a plot by Remainer civil servants and the Brussels establishment to ensure the UK never leaves the EU’s orbit. In this scenario, Brexit would leave the UK with less sovereignty than today, unable to influence the EU rulebook but still obliged to follow its instructions and pay into the common budget.

The strength of British opposition, which contrasts with the warm noises from senior EU figures, may make Mrs May think twice before giving this option serious consideration. But some EUfriendly voices would like her to look at an alternative way forward – suspending the Article 50 process under which the UK is due to leave the EU on March 29.

This would allow the PM to continue to sit in the Council of Ministers and to be represented in the European Parliament. Britain would be as much of a rule-maker as a rule-taker, and civil servants and experts could explore ways to resolve the Irish border dilemma without the pressure of the clock.

Suspending Article 50 would unleash an even angrier response than extending the transition period. It would be seen as a ploy to abandon Brexit altogether.

However, as the thousands who will march this weekend in support of another referendum demonstrate, others would welcome the chance to think again.