Backstop Alternatives: Examining the “We Cannot Trust the Brits” Excuse

Abstract

Last week, together with two colleagues, Daniel Sarmiento and Sir Jonathan Faull, we published a plan which could avoid a no-deal Brexit. It is to one reaction, attributed in the Press to anonymous Commission sources that I wish to react. And I do not do this solely or even mainly in order to defend the viability of our particular Proposal. I do so because I fear that this same reaction of these anonymous EU officials will meet any proposal for &#8222;alternative arrangements&#8220; to be put on the table by the UK government.</p