Brexit - the 'gotcha' clause

If you asked most people – probably nearly everybody – what the format of a Brexit would look like, they would describe a 'smoke-filled room' where the terms of the exit would be hammered out between the British government and its former European partners.

That is not how it would work.

Under Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, once the decision to leave has been made, the leaving country has no say – there is no negotiation - on the terms for that exit. And if you don't like those terms you can't vote again. 

Here is the full text of Article 50. Clause 4 is the 'gotcha'.

"1. Any member state may decide to withdraw from the Union in accordance with its own constitutional requirements.

2. A Member State which decides to withdraw shall notify the European Council of its intention. In the light of the guidelines provided by the European Council, the Union shall negotiate and conclude an agreement with that State, setting out the arrangements for its withdrawal, taking account of the framework for its future relationship with Union. That agreement shall be negotiated in accordance with Article 218 (3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. It shall be concluded on behalf of the Union by the Council, acting by a qualified majority, after obtaining the consent of the European Parliament.

3. The Treaties shall cease to apply to the State in question from the date of entry into force of the withdrawal agreement or, failing that, two years after the notification referred to in paragraph 2, unless the European Council, in agreement with the Member State concerned, unanimously decides to extend this period.

4. For the purposes of paragraphs 2 and 3, the member of the European Council or of the Council representing the withdrawing Member State shall not participate in the discussions of the European Council or Council or in decisions concerning it.

5. If a State which has withdrawn from the Union asked to rejoin, it's a question shall be subject to the procedure referred to in Article 49."

Doesn't look good, does it?