Post-Covid, the environment is likely to be egalitarian and interventionist. For libertarian, small state Eurosceptics, this must come as a disappointment.
It is time for the Commons to stop telling us what it’s against and to show what it’s for, which ought to be: this deal.
The Chequers Plan has been dead for some time, but Johnson has now read the funeral rites over it.
Don’t be so distracted by the actors – and all the talk of deselection and elections – as to miss the drama’s bigger picture.
On almost every measure it offers a superior blueprint for leaving the EU than the Prime Minister’s Withdrawal Agreement.
As their conference opens this weekend, they are pondering claims that his ratings north of the border are dismal – and how to respond.
That’s variously for a customs union; for a custom arrangement plus the Single Market; for a second referendum, and for staying in the EU.
Those for included Eustace, Fallon and Percy. Those against, Dowden, Quin and Skidmore.
The Letwin plan has not exactly delivered the promised clarity. Instead, the Commons has again said what it does not want.
It would increase our power to control freedom of movement, plus our laws and finances – and deliver on the referendum result.
Longer extension, Customs Union, ‘Common Market 2.0’ and so on all have severe downsides.
Our party owns this crisis. If we honour the referendum we can shape the next decade. If we don’t then chaos – and Corbyn – await.
It would be dangerous for UK business and would leave both Leavers and Remainers dissatisfied. It would leave Britain subject to free movement.
The benefits of this simple approach are that we can settle this debate now rather than condemn our country to years more argument.
I voted for the Prime Minister’s deal today. But the Commons didn’t – and we now all need a positive alternative.