Katy Hayward: Was the backstop a good idea?
The greater the domestic chaos in the UK, the greater the need for legal measures
Katy Hayward: If the UK leaves with no deal, the bare facts are that Ireland can do little to stem the ripple effect of profound uncertainties
There are but three possible outcomes to the UK’s tortuous divorce from the EU. One is that the UK leaves without a deal. Another is that the withdrawal agreement is passed and future negotiations unfold during a transition period. Or else (least likely) article 50 is revoked and the UK remains a member.
None of these scenarios can avoid further flux, division and disruption. Brexit has transformed British politics to such a degree that there is no longer such a thing as the UK “status quo”.