Editorial | A no-deal Brexit is in no one’s interest

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson took office last month promising to inject fresh energy and optimism into his country’s bid to leave the European Union. He has been talking tough, warning that the EU must negotiate a new Brexit deal or Britain will leave without one on October 31. Not much was expected of his first talks with European leaders, held in recent days. But the face-to-face meetings, with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Emmanuel Macron and European Council President Donald Tusk were conducted in a relatively friendly spirit. All appeared open to finding a solution that would prevent Britain from crashing out with no deal. Johnson was “powerfully encouraged” by what Merkel told him, while also saying chances of a new deal were “touch and go”.

The reality is that, for all the talk, little has changed. Johnson wants the EU to rewrite the withdrawal agreement it struck with his predecessor, Theresa May. The EU has consistently stated it will not do that. It is difficult to see how a new deal can be negotiated in the two months that remain before the Halloween deadline.

If Johnson wishes to persuade the EU there is a realistic alternative to the Irish backstop – which he opposes – he must come up with a plan. So far, this is lacking. The backstop is intended to prevent a hard border between Ireland, which will remain part of the EU after Brexit, and Northern Ireland, which, as part of the United Kingdom, will not.

Meanwhile, Britain is drifting dangerously towards a no-deal Brexit, the worst possible outcome. This would severely hit businesses and cause further uncertainty to the global economy. A British government report leaked recently warned that a no-deal Brexit could lead to shortages of food and medicine, job losses, and chaos at Britain’s ports. Opponents of a no-deal Brexit in parliament are planning to block it. But it is not clear if they will succeed.

Every effort should be made to find a solution. There is little time left for Britain and the EU to reach agreement. Compromise will be necessary if a deal is to be reached and if more time is needed, so be it.

The concern is that both sides are now expecting a no-deal Brexit and preparing to blame each other for it. They should pull back from the brink and avoid an outcome that is in no one’s interests.