Creator of EU exit rules says UK can stop Brexit

John Kerr, who drafted Article 50 of the EU’s key treaty, says “while the divorce talks proceed the parties are still married ... We can change our mind at any stage.”

In this Aug. 31, 2017 file photo, British Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union David Davis speaks during a media conference at EU headquarters in Brussels. Britain is promising European Union citizens the right to appeal if they are denied permission to live in the U.K. after Brexit, it was reported on Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2017.

The official who created the rules for leaving the EU says Britain can legally stop the process any time it wants before exit day in 2019.

John Kerr, who drafted Article 50 of the EU’s key treaty, says “while the divorce talks proceed the parties are still married ... We can change our mind at any stage.”

Mr. Kerr says the British government has misled voters into believing the process is unstoppable.

British voters, and lawmakers, remain divided over Brexit.

Prime Minister Theresa May warned on Friday she would not tolerate attempts “to try to block the democratic wishes of the British people by attempting to slow down or stop our departure from the European Union.”

The government says it plans to enshrine in law the date and time of the U.K.’s departure 11 p.m. on March 29, 2019 as a protection against delay.