Henry Newman: The ticking Brexit clock demands clarity from both sides, but also adds to the risk of No Deal
It’s likely that there will be some form of agreement, perhaps at the last minute. Likely, but far from certain.
Henry Newman: Unstopping the Northern Ireland backstop, which threatens to block a deal
The Government must avoid one which can be ‘triggered’ in the event of any UK regulatory divergence on goods or agriculture.
Henry Newman: May’s strategy is in crisis – continuing to exclude the Brexit Secretary from the process will only make that worse
Davis was not alone in being kept in the dark – ministers in various departments have been wrongly left out of Brexit planning done by their own civil servants.
Henry Newman: Yes, we have proposed a voluntary managed alignment in goods. But direct ECJ jurisdiction must end.
Either a new dispute resolution mechanism will be required, or the UK could dock into part of the EFTA court to resolve disputes over goods.
Henry Newman: There’s still time for the UK to shape the Brexit negotiations – if the Government gets its act together
That means making overdue decisions, settling internal disputes, and no more campaigning by the Treasury to undermine Brexit policy.
Henry Newman: Navigating the EU Withdrawal Bill through unamended without a majority is nightmarish – but possible
Labour have sunk efforts to trap us in the Single Market. A compromise should kick the Customs Union can down the road. Which leaves the ‘meaningful’ vote.
Henry Newman: The EU isn’t a conspiracy against democracy, but it does a pretty good job of looking like one
Some Italians hoped Brexit would make Brussels realise it had gone too far. Instead, the EU elite has doubled down, regardless of troublesome voters.
Henry Newman: The more we look back to the referendum, and re-fight its battles, the less we get ready for the future
And most EU member states haven’t spent nearly enough time really thinking what the future relationship between the UK and EU should look like, either.
Henry Newman: No more delays, Prime Minister – it’s time to make a decision on customs
There are two options under consideration. One in particular, the partnership model, is unworkable and unacceptable. It should be put out of its misery.
Henry Newman: Even if the Government concedes on an EU customs union, membership of it looks unsustainable. Here’s why.
Can we really imagine ministers rejecting Justin Trudeau’s trade deal offer, or one from the American administration, or from Australia and New Zealand?
Henry Newman: Could Macron be the leader to deliver the Brexit deal that Davis is battling for?
Despite talk of the negotiations getting bogged down, the French president seems to understand that the process is about politics more than legal complexity.
Henry Newman: The unified reaction to the Skripal affair suggests talk of Britain’s ‘isolation’ was premature
To listen to some commentators a few weeks ago, you’d have thought it was only EU membership – not shared interests and values – that brings allies together.
Henry Newman: We were told progress on Brexit was impossible, but it keeps happening – thanks to compromise on both sides
It’s imperfect – consider fishing. It’s incomplete. It means kicking cans down the road. But that approach is sensible – and, crucially, it is working, bit by bit.
Henry Newman: May is right – the EU cherry-picks whenever it is politically convenient. Brexit should be such a time.
From its range of tailor-made trade deals to its habit of allowing Member States to break the rules, Brussels is more flexible than Barnier’s rhetoric might suggest.
Henry Newman: Amidst the row about neutrality, a big question looms. Is the civil service up to delivering Brexit effectively?
Whitehall has at times imperilled its reputation for neutrality, but there remains a positive ‘can-do’ attitude about Brexit. The Government should harness it.