May’s Brexit deal helps to show that British politicians are more honourable and efficient than is claimed
There has been a tendency to suppose that because Britain’s power has declined in relative terms they must have become totally useless.
The Moggcast. “This isn’t about tactical mistakes – this is about the future of the country.”
“Tory MPs need to think…do they want Theresa May leading us into the next election?”. Plus: what she could have done to prevent him writing his letter.
Anthony Browne: It may take two heaves to achieve a proper Brexit. But accepting the deal – for now – is the best way to get there.
It is much preferable to pushing the country to the abyss, which will jeopardise the Conservative Party, the economy and Brexit itself.
Tactical wins, strategic defeat. May’s deal binds us to the backstop. And threatens the future of “our precious union”
In a nutshell, this deal would bring back control of borders and money. But not laws in any meaningful sense. Which is where the problems begin.
Nicky Morgan: If arch-Brexiteers sink this agreement, they will drive many Conservative MPs to back a second referendum
My conversations with Party members and constituents have provided an almost consistent message that the Prime Minister should be supported.
David Davis: There has long been an alternative to this discredited deal. It’s the Canada-style plan that Tusk and Barnier offered us.
If we need to leave with no deal and negotiate a free trade agreement during the transition period, so be it.
Famous five or fatuous five?
May won’t yield to their demand for renegotiation unless she believes that at least some of them will quit. And on the basis of last week, why would she?
From an analysis of the Withdrawal Agreement text: May’s broken promises on the ECJ, the backstop, customs – and dividing the UK
Article 20 says that the backstop will only ‘cease to apply’ if ‘the Union and United Kingdom decide jointly’ that it should end – no sovereign right for the UK to leave.
David Davies: I voted and campaigned for Leave. But here’s why I’m supporting the Prime Minister’s Brexit plan.
Opposing this proposal serves only to help those who wish to undermine our desire to respect the referendum result. It is only by being united that we can fight them off.
A first glance at some of the main points in May’s deal
We set five tests for it. Does this draft agreement pass them? And does it really take back control of our borders, laws and money?
Our survey. Seven out of ten Party member respondents oppose the draft Brexit deal.
The finding suggests that May will have an uphill struggle to sell it to them, just as she had over Chequers.
May is miscast as Prime Minister because she takes far too little trouble to find the right words
A new study of the 2017 general election shows May failing to insist on a message and a manifesto which supported each other.
Bob Seely: This deal isn’t perfect. If it can be improved, great. But let’s not make the best the enemy of the good.
We need to get back to our focus, governing for the people. They are fed up with Brexit and we are running out of time
Terror of No Deal is driving May to risk splitting her Party and fall back on Labour MPs instead
That’s the single fact that stands out from the “low tragedy, high farce” of resignations, splits, divisions, principles and ambitions consuming British and Brexit politics.
Iain Dale: The Prime Minister put in a superb Parliamentary performance yesterday
Plus: But her deal’s so bad I’d rather Remain. Robbins is the real Rasputin, not Timothy. Would I really vote Tory tomorrow? And: Carry on Cocks and Dicks.