ASSESSMENTS

The UK Hits a Chaotic Patch on the Road to Brexit

Jul 18, 2018 | 10:47 GMT

British Prime Minister Theresa May leaves 10 Downing Street on July 4 ahead of a session in the House of Commons. Political turmoil in the United Kingdom is delaying a final deal on Brexit between London and Brussels.

(TOLGA AKMEN/AFP/Getty Images)

Highlights

Friction within the British government and between the government and Parliament will intensify as the date for Brexit in March 2019 approaches.
A "no deal" scenario with the European Union is possible, and it would severely disrupt trade, but the disorder would likely be temporary as London and Brussels would remain interested in an agreement.
An extension of negotiations is also possible, but it would require the unanimous support of the remaining 27 members of the European Union.

The negotiations over Brexit have entered a crucial stage. Although there are just eight months to go, the United Kingdom and the European Union have yet to work out an agreement for the March 29 British exit from the trade bloc. To make things more complicated, British Prime Minister Theresa May is wrestling with domestic difficulties; her Conservative Party is internally divided and struggling to draft a coherent plan acceptable at home and abroad. While a "no deal" scenario come next spring is a possibility, both sides would likely continue to negotiate to shorten any disruption to trade....

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