Brexit is now reaching a totally surreal end game. In Brussels, Barnier is once again making optimistic sounds and seems to think a deal can be done by next Wednesday - provided Theresa May gives up on her red line about the customs union. Downing Street has called a meeting of ministers tomorrow (HERE) to be updated on progress although the BBC were reporting last night that none of the ministers knew what they were to be briefed about. Considering this is the most important issue to face the country for several generations it all seems remarkably cavalier with one week to go. No consultation, no discussion papers circulated beforehand and senior ministers summoned to be told what we're about to agree.
Meanwhile, a group of pro remain Tory MPs (HERE) are trying to form a rival to Jacob Rees-Mogg's ERG group. They would apparently vote against any shift towards a Canada style FTA while the ERG would vote against shift away from a FTA towards membership of the single Market.
The Labour party will oppose anything the PM agrees to, as will the SNP. It looks impossible for any deal to get through parliament and if, in the unlikely event that it did, it looks like it will be approved by an alliance of Tory placemen, who aren't bothered one way or the other, and Labour euro sceptics.
The PM is trying to force through a plan to leave the EU that almost nobody wants, and was instigated by a referendum that mixed mendacity with an ongoing criminal investigation and when public opinion (in more than 150 polls) indicates there is now no majority in the country for it. The United Kingdom is itself at risk of breaking up since the Withdrawal Act was passed without the consent of the Scottish parliament.
Laura Kuenssberg, the BBC political editor, gives a flavour of the mess Mrs May is in HERE much of it of her own making.
Think about it, is there any possibility that such a deal would be sustainable? What are we doing to ourselves?
Carl Bildt, the former Swedish premier said Britain used to offer leadership to the world, now it can't even lead itself.
Laura Kuenssberg, the BBC political editor, gives a flavour of the mess Mrs May is in HERE much of it of her own making.
Think about it, is there any possibility that such a deal would be sustainable? What are we doing to ourselves?
Carl Bildt, the former Swedish premier said Britain used to offer leadership to the world, now it can't even lead itself.
Tragic to see how the UK is lost in the post-referendum chaos. This used to be a nation providing leadership to the world. Now it can’t even provide leadership to itself. https://t.co/Zu3mznY8fP— Carl Bildt (@carlbildt) July 9, 2018
How right he was.
