As a backdrop to this discussion, please consider the ‘Malthouse Compromise’: Everything You Need to Know.
A compromise Brexit plan has emerged overnight in Westminster with the backing of heavyweight Tory Brexiters and remainers, including Jacob Rees-Mogg and Nicky Morgan. Two factions have thrown their weight behind the unexpected new compromise plan, backed by several ministers, which would involve a redrafting of the backstop and an extension of the transition period until 2021.
The plan is based on a protocol drafted by the former Brexit minister Steve Baker but the initiative has been called the “Malthouse compromise”, after the housing minister Kit Malthouse, who entreated the two warring factions to attempt talks. In a WhatsApp message to Conservative MPs, Morgan said the plan “provides for exit from the EU on time with a new backstop, which would be acceptable indefinitely, but which incentivises us all to reach a new future relationship. It ensures there is no need for a hard border with Ireland.”
In basic terms, the prime minister would renegotiate the backstop element of her Brexit deal to replace it with a free trade agreement with as-yet-unknown technology to avoid customs checks on the Irish border. It would also involve extending the transition period for an extra year until December 2021 to allow more time to agree a new trading relationship.
MPs have been meeting in secret over the past few days to try to agree a plan both sides could support. Other ministers involved in discussing the plan include the health secretary, Stephen Hammond, and the solicitor general, Robert Buckland.
There was an enthusiastic reception to the plan on the Tory MP WhatsApp group on Monday night after the plan leaked. Boris Johnson called it a “breakthrough”, and the health minister Steve Brine messaged the group saying: “Promising. Let’s just do this and move on.” Minister Thérèse Coffey also sent some enthusiastic emojis.
Malthouse Compromise Tweets
The EU is says the technology doesn’t work. But what happens if the UK finally comes back with its own take it of leave it demand?
The EU, not the UK will bear the brunt of forcing the UK into a “Hard Brexit”
I back this plan.
Meanwhile, the nonsensical Brexit fearmongering continues. The Guardian leads the pack with this amazing hype: Brexit could put 1.7 million people around globe into extreme poverty – study.
Stupidity backfires sooner or later, and I suspect in this case, immediately.
Mike “Mish” Shedlock
No discerning being bothers with The Guardian.
“Brexit could put 1.7 million people around globe into extreme poverty – study.”
Reckless central bankers could put billions around the globe into extreme poverty.
Mish, you are living in wonderland. 2 1/2 years into this and the Tories still cannot tell us what they want. What a monstrous shower of incompetent idiots.
To get out from under a supra-national proto state that has ambitions of empire. Do you understand?
Read up on statements made by various concerning “imposing” their will and “empire”. Junker, Barosa, Verhofstat. Disgusting.
This plan won’t float as the EU won’t let it. It’s all fantasy. This is what happens when you get into bed with the wrong people. The EU is acting exactly how avid leavers thought it would and validates their attitude to the EU, 100%.
I merely pointed out that the Tories are useless. And they are
“Tories still cannot tell us what they want.”
It’s not what the Tories want but want 17.4M voters voted for. The Tory problem is they are attempting to leave with a minimum of negative economic consequence. There will be consequence, the EU want to inflict negative consequence.
I doubt the UK will leave, extend, pretend etc.
Interesting the EU now has FTA with Japan, Singapore and last week Vietnam. How many years has it taken? Suddenly someone pulse a finger out. I wonder why, hint, hint.
Look at UK vs EU wording here. “If”.
Expect more as the EU are dragged to become less frightened of the wider world.
Finally, if they properly address migration across the EU they will be making a little progress. Brussells is far too cosy and crony. It needs a major shake-up one way or another
The Tories are the Government. They therefore have a duty to negotiate on behalf of the country. To do that they had to agree among themselves to get the best deal from the EU. They have been appalling, they have humiliated the UK.
They are attempting an exit with as little negative economic and territorial impact as possible. The EU is the problem.
The EU can manage FTA’s with Vietnam, Singapore, Japan, Canada but not with another G7 nation that is already aligned on standards.
It is purposeful obstruction and one way or another will backfire, I don’t know how or when, but I’m quite sure it will. Let’s hope NI remains peaceful and any tumult doesn’t arrive in Eire.
Perhaps NI should join Eire and they pay for pensions, benefits, NHS and take their share of UK national debt. Do the maths and expect trouble.
Anyone harmed because of this can blame the EU.