There has been a lot of talk about how Article XXIV of GATT can provide an alternative to the Withdrawal Agreement. But here’s the deal with Article XXIV of GATT: it is a solution to a problem which is not the problem. Let me try to illustrate this with a story.
Imagine a couple – let’s call them Joe and Angela – who are going through a divorce. After a long-drawn process, and hundreds of billable hours, their lawyers have at last produced a draft divorce settlement. The successful business that Joe and Angela have built will continue, but Joe will need to make a series of maintenance payments to Angela and the family home will be sold.
Joe finds this difficult to accept but he is also desperate to move on with his life. “I can’t stand even the sight of this thing.” he says to friends, looking disconsolate as he picks up the heavy ring-binder with legal documents and advice from the lawyers.
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