The British government continues to lurch from crisis to crisis as it grapples with its departure from the European Union. The most recent setback was the resignation last week of two senior ministers, one of whom was responsible for Brexit negotiations with the EU, in disagreement over terms for withdrawal put forward by Prime Minister Theresa May only days before. While attention is focused on whether May will survive as leader of her government, the real issue is mounting uncertainty about the deal that will eventually be struck. The clock is winding down and businesses will be making decisions about their future that could marginalize Britain's place in their plans.
Leaders of the Brexit movement promised voters that departure would be easy, and that they could retain all the benefits of EU membership without any of the costs. They preached an a la carte menu of obligations and rewards that bore no resemblance to reality, despite warnings from Brussels and more realistic British politicians. Brexit narrowly prevailed and advocates have been complaining ever since that May was botching the process — without ever offering a credible alternative.
As the countdown continues — Brexit occurs March 29, 2019, with a deal or without one — May has struggled to devise a negotiating position for Britain, much less forge a consensus with Brussels. This month, she convened her Cabinet at Chequers, the prime minister's country residence, to lay out her blueprint for withdrawal. Only an outline of the plan has been presented to other lawmakers and the public, but it is being sold as a "pro business plan" that would protect U.K. ties to the EU. The government's three-page summary, available on its website, says London would agree to "a common rule book for all goods" along with a "combined customs territory" between the United Kingdom and the EU while "different arrangements" will be made for services. The U.K. would leave the European Court of Justice, although the court would have some role interpreting EU rules.