/BREXIT: Details from a Reuters sources piece....>

UK: /BREXIT: Details from a Reuters sources piece on the Brexit backstop, which

make it sound difficult for Brexiteers/DUP to swallow:

- Draft envisages a July 2020 decision on how to keep the Irish border open

- If not, 2 choices for UK: 1) extend transition period ONCE beyond Dec 2020;

possibly until end-2021, or 2) 'bare-bones' customs arrangement covering entire

UK, with N Ireland aligned w EU rules.

- Customs arrangement option includes clauses to ensure 'level playing field',

with UK aligning to EU rules on state aid, environment and labour standards

- Mechanism to exit the customs arrangement are not finalised: EU wants a common

EU-UK arbitration mechanism ('Joint Committee'); if that can't decide, then it

goes to ECJ for guidance

- UK however wants to be able to walk away unilaterally