The so called Malthouse compromise is apparently referred to in Brussels as the 'madhouse compromise' and if a report on BuzzFeed this week is to be believed, it is an appropriate soubriquet. The Alternative Arrangements Working Group (AAWG), with MPs from both pro and anti EU wings of the Conservative party, have been trying to reach a consensus on what the other possible options to the Irish backstop might be.
It seems the nation is divided, parliament is divided, the Tory party is divided, the cabinet is divided and now even the AAWG, the working group to bring the two warring sides together, is divided.
BuzzFeed report (HERE):
"The AAWG was scheduled to head to Northern Ireland on Wednesday for a trip during which they were slated to meet with local businesses and politicians, travel to the Irish border, and be briefed by intelligence officials on the security implications of Brexit.
"As late as Tuesday afternoon the visit was still due to take place, but following a series of panicked phone and text conversations between senior Brexiteer MPs due to board the plane to Belfast, it was called off".
The Brexiteers on the group thought the planned agenda was designed to stitch them up - or as we know it, introduce them to reality:
"One said the agenda organised by the government was designed to expose hardline Brexiteers including Steve Baker, Iain Duncan Smith and Theresa Villiers to meetings in which various Northern Irish representatives would warn them against the dangers of a no-deal Brexit."
They don't want to hear of any problems do they? That would spoil the whole thing wouldn't it?
They are like creationists refusing to look at the scientific evidence. Faith, hope and belief are all you need to join the modern Brexiteers. Dangers? What dangers?
