Plus: Snubbed by a Remainer. Delighted for Beth Rigby. Tusk japes, May spooks, Francois almost self-combusts. And: is Brexit Brecksit or Breggsit?
The former Brexit Secretary warns of the danger that MPs will believe the Government has not even demanded the necessary concessions from Brussels.
Although the Prime Minister’s position is fragile, there is no sense of a contest in the offing any time soon.
Also: DUP urge Government to adopt more aggressive approach to EU negotiations; Cardiff Conservative councillor reinstated; and more.
The former Brexit Secretary says “it’s not quite true to say I support no deal”.
Neither is at all likely indeed to succeed May if they nod reluctant assent to any scheme to sign up to the Customs Union – which might not succeed in any event.
Breaking her promise in such a way would enrage many voters, divide her Party, and cost the nation dearly in lost Brexit opportunities.
The conventional wisdom is: weak Prime Minister, strong Cabinet. But what we see is: weak Prime Minister, weak Cabinet.
New polling also reveals that neither is so far ahead as to be unstoppable, however.
Johnson has topped an ESRC poll, as he did our last survey. Its findings are even better for Brexiteers than ours were.
The challenge to “our precious union” will be as much constitutional as economic – Deal, No Brexit…or No Deal especially.
There are three contenders in double figures, one well ahead of the other two – and a very long tail of names in single figures,
Half of all respondents nominated the ERG Chairman, with another quarter voting for Dominic Raab.
Brexiteers take the podium spots, but Tracey Crouch wins an honourable mention for her stand on fixed-odds betting terminals.
I well remember the representations from Treasury and BEIS to focus on the risks and play down the opportunities.
Breaking her promise in such a way would enrage many voters, divide her Party, and cost the nation dearly in lost Brexit opportunities.