BRITAIN faces the stark prospect of leaving the European Union without a deal next March if Prime Minister Theresa May continues to push her Chequers Plan, according to Ireland’s EU commissioner, Phil Hogan. In a blunt assessment, Hogan criticised the “silly behaviour” of Conservative politicians, warning that their approach could lead to a no-deal Brexit that would have significant consequences for both the UK and its European neighbours.
The Chequers Plan, proposed by May in July 2018, aims to maintain close economic ties with the EU while ending free movement and the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice. However, it has faced widespread criticism from both sides of the negotiating table. EU officials argue it undermines the integrity of the single market, while hardline Brexiteers claim it keeps the UK too closely aligned with Brussels.
Hogan, a seasoned politician who has served as Ireland’s EU commissioner since 2014, has been a vocal critic of the UK’s approach to Brexit negotiations. Speaking recently, he expressed frustration at the lack of progress, pointing to internal divisions within the Conservative Party as a major obstacle. “The UK needs to decide what it wants,” he said. “The current indecision and infighting are not helping anyone.”
Analysts have echoed Hogan’s concerns, highlighting the potential economic fallout of a no-deal Brexit. The UK could face tariffs on goods, disruptions to supply chains, and a loss of access to key EU markets. Ireland, as the UK’s closest neighbour, would also be particularly vulnerable, with cross-border trade and the Northern Ireland peace process at risk.
As the clock ticks down to the March deadline, the pressure is mounting on both sides to find a workable solution. The EU has repeatedly stated that the Chequers Plan is not a viable basis for negotiations, urging the UK to come forward with fresh proposals. Meanwhile, May faces growing opposition from within her own party, with some MPs calling for a harder Brexit and others pushing for a second referendum.
For businesses and citizens on both sides of the Irish Sea, the uncertainty is deeply unsettling. Many are already preparing for the worst-case scenario, stockpiling goods and contingency planning. Hogan’s warning serves as a stark reminder of the high stakes involved. “The time for games is over,” he said. “We need serious proposals, not silly behaviour.”
As the Brexit negotiations enter their final, critical phase, the focus will be on whether the UK and the EU can bridge their differences—or whether Britain will indeed leave without a deal next March. The outcome will have far-reaching implications for trade, politics, and everyday life across the continent.
