Listening to debate in @HouseofCommons : there seems to be a dangerous illusion that the UK can benefit from a transition in the absence of the WA.
Let me be clear: the only legal basis for a transition is the WA. No withdrawal agreement means no transition.

— Michel Barnier (@MichelBarnier) March 12, 2019

Asked what constituted a "reasoned request" he said, "I will not venture into a typology on what a reasoned request would be. I would simply state the obvious that a reasoned request is a request based on a reason."

"We were and remain happy to apply the backstop to Northern Ireland only if they want to go back to that," he said.