The EU said Wednesday it currently sees no alternative to the so-called “Irish backstop” in a Brexit withdrawal deal and warned the risk of Britain crashing out without an agreement has increased. As political turmoil rages in London and the clock ticks down to the October 31 departure date, the European Commission issued its final preparations for a “no-deal” Brexit, which experts say would have a seismic impact on Britain and the EU alike. British and EU customs and border experts are meeting Wednesday for technical talks to explore possible alternatives to the “Irish backstop” clause, which Prime Minister Boris Johnson insists must be scrapped if the UK is to sign up for a divorce deal.
