Brexit: a Messy Dovetailing of Law and Politics

Professor Barnett discusses the legal complexities surrounding Brexit, focusing on the UK's desire for a unilateral exit from the backstop, which regulates relations between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The EU views the backstop as an insurance policy, leading to a legal and political impasse. The UK sought to introduce the concept of 'reasonableness' to limit the European Court of Justice's influence, but this was met with resistance. An arbitration mechanism was proposed, but ultimate authority remains with the EU. The discussion highlights the intersection of law and politics in Brexit negotiations.

What was the significance of the term 'reasonableness' in the context of UK law?

Discuss the relationship between law and politics as highlighted in the Brexit negotiations.