The Telegraph reported that UK Attorney General Geoffrey Cox has given up the request on a time-limit on the Irish backstop or unilateral exit mechanism. Cox wanted to push for an independent arbitration mechanism which both UK and EU could give formal notice to end the backstop. But such independent arbitration would be outside the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice. That is seen as totally unacceptable by the EU.
Separately, Trade Minister Liam Fox said he would be “shocked” if EU would insist on a delay of 21 months or two years extension of Article 50, if requested. He said “the European Union does not want Britain to fight the European elections.” Fox added it’s still “entirely possible” for leave EU on March 29. But a short extension to Article 50 may be needed to deliver a smoother exit.
