According to the pre-released extracts, UK Prime Minister Theresa May is expected to tell EU in a speech today that “it is in the European interest for the UK to leave with a deal”. And, “just as MPs will face a big choice next week, the EU has to make a choice, too.”
May is still seeking legally binding assurances from EU that the Irish backstop, if triggered, will be temporary. May will say “we are working with them but the decisions that the European Union makes over the next few days will have a big impact on the outcome of the vote.”
Without any fundamental change regarding Irish backstop, there is practically no chance for May to get her Brexit deal through the Parliament on March 12, next Tuesday. A vote on no-deal Brexit will then be held on March 13 to see if there is explicit consent on this path. If not, there will be another vote on Article 50 extension on March 14.
