Special last ditch Brexit summit planned for November?

Britain’s and the European Union’s last chance for an exit deal before a crucial December deadline arrives on Nov 18, and no solution is in sight.

The regular EU summit Dec 18-19 is seen as the last practical date for a signed divorce deal before Britain’s scheduled departure on Mar 29. Prime Minister Theresa May faces a political fight in her own Conservative Party if she gives ground in the negotiations.

The biggest obstacle remains how to avoid police and customs checks at the border between Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic after departure day. Reuters reports that May and the minority Irish party that props up her government are opposed to the standing offer from Europe.

A trade agreement is integral to settlement of the border issue.

Other issues awaiting resolution include how Gibraltar, a British overseas territory at the tip of Spain, and Britain’s military presence in Cyprus will be affected by the divorce. Britain is arguing for a UK £1 billion refund from the Europeans to cover its costs in the development of Galileo, Europe’s global navigation satellite system.

Britons worried about Brexit might take heart from the BBC’s observation that nothing is irreversible at this point: “This is how the Brexit process is meant to go - but the UK or the EU could pull the plug on talks at any time. And, in theory, the UK and the other 27 EU members could agree to change the timetable or even halt the Brexit process altogether.”