Iain Mansfield: Five tests for a good Brexit deal

The attempt by some Remainers to frame the negotiation as ‘how can we achieve the closest possible relationship with the EU?’ is disingenuous, and should be strongly rebutted.

Meanwhile, here’s what’s been happening in the Brexit talks

Both sides have moved somewhat ahead of next week’s summit. Behind the scenes, Davis has been touring capital cities, while Juncker’s sidekick is enmeshed in scandal.

This May speech was aimed at the EU27 – not her own party. And its message was: I want to have my cherries and eat them.

Hardish in principle, softer in detail, she is crafting a position intended to get those elusive trade talks going as soon as possible.

Iain Dale: Is Barnier now conspiring with Corbyn to bring down May?

Plus: Major’s error. The Prime Minister’s jokes. Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow. And: the angels want to wear my red suit.

The Brexit negotiation. Raindrops keep falling on May’s head. But that doesn’t mean her eyes will soon be turning red.

Yes, the negotiation may break down. But some of the playing to the gallery has a ritual element about it, not unlike the staged theatrics of all-in wrestling.

Gisela Stuart: This is a crucial moment for May and her government. There must be no backsliding on a clean Brexit.

Any deal that leaves the UK aligned with EU rules or which deprives us of control over our trading future would not be honouring the referendum result.

Why our European neighbours think we’re a basket case

Johnson’s speech today and the Commission’s basic take are strangely similar – Brexit points to a Canada-type settlement on alignment and divergence.

Lee Rotherham: “The EU is a rules-based organisation.” Oh, really? Consider these ten examples to the contrary. And there’s more.

Let’s remind ourselves of a few occasions where the letter of the law has been lacking the odd dot or crossed T.

Alex Morton: We could have had a radical Brexit. But we’re out of time for one – for the moment.

We are likely to get a deal with something for everyone – a ‘softish’ Brexit with May-style immigration controls. But the longer-term offers great opportunities.

David Campbell Bannerman: We’ve voted to leave the EU but, until Brexit takes place, we need to keep our MEPs

Each one of us will have a vote on any deal – and 73 MEPs may well be crucial to passing it.

Owen Paterson: To make Brexit a success, we must break free from the over-taxed, over-regulated European model

That means taking back full control – then using our new-found independence to its greatest possible benefit.

Bernard Jenkin: So you want to know what the EU deal means? My advice is – find a good lawyer.

There is plenty of reason to check that the Government’s ones have been giving sound legal advice to ministers. Too often, it has been wrong.

Syed Kamall: That there has been a Brexit talks breakthrough is no thanks to the Commission’s negotiating plan

Hopefully, these efforts will pay off next week when national leaders decide whether to open talks on trade and a transition period. It is time to get down to business.

What is the timeline for the crucial next few days of Brexit talks?

The run-up to the European Council meetings next week could decide the future of the negotiations.

Graham Gudgin: Brussels and Dublin should stop playing games with the Irish border issue

A sensible solution is achievable, but unnecessary brinksmanship and over-the-top rhetoric helps nobody.