Cameron thought an in/out referendum would concentrate minds and that a majority of voters would see the clear and obvious benefits of being in the EU. But during the campaign and since the vote we have existed in a delusion where we can have a bit of both. This has been expressed in different ways. Some, like Davis himself claimed we would have the "exact same benefits" through a trade deal. Others say we will be able to replicate the benefits of EU trade by signing trade deals with other non EU countries.
More recently, the prime minister has proposed a hybrid solution where we have access to some sectors and align our regulations with those of the EU. In other areas we have a bit more freedom and in others we are totally free to do as we wish.
All of these solutions have one thing in common. They are a fantasy of the cake and eat it type. The neither in nor out solution. The cherry picking. The idea you can be half pregnant. Now the EU have made it clear this is not a possibility (HERE)
It was always a delusion and now we have to make a decision. Are we going to be in or out?
After the marathon chequers meeting yesterday The Telegraph are reporting (HERE) that "Divergence wins: Brexiteers claim victory" and they may be right. However, given the government's track record at fudging I doubt if Mrs May's big speech will contain the big, bold proposal that we will be OUT.
