Brexit Roundup: Norway, Operation Stack And A Tale Of 2 Backstops

The last few weeks have seen the media focussing on the debate within the government about its preferred post-Brexit customs model. But the following developments are also worthy of note:

• Norway softens stance on UK membership of EEA: the Prime Minister of Norway, Erna Solberg, has publicly indicated that she would not necessarily oppose possible UK membership of the EEA. This appears to signal a change of attitude from Norway, which had been concerned about UK membership upsetting the balance of power between the 3 EEA-EFTA States (where Norway is by far the largest country). Instead, Ms Solberg emphasised that UK membership would increase the bargaining power of the EEA-EFTA States vis-à-vis the EU. Although the UK government has ruled out joining the EEA Agreement for the purposes of the UK's post-Brexit relationship with the EU, its lack of an overall majority means that Parliament may have the power to force consideration of other options. Indeed, the House