Number Ten has been desperate from the start that we must remain in the Customs Union – and endure a kind of semi-skimmed faux Brexit.
Our new fortnightly columnist on a renaissance which “through teamwork and shared vision, is producing real results”.
For all the talk of May being pushed towards a Canada-type deal, there is currently no majority around the top table for any Chequers alternative.
In all, there are 30 new entries in the whole list, one down on last year and two down on the 2016 record of 33.
The Foreign Secretary’s score is up by 20 points. Grayling now brings up the rear – and Bradley is in the red.
Speakers include eight Secretaries of State, the Mayor of the West Midlands, and many more.
Meanwhile, Hammond’s approval rating plumbs new depths – as Fox and Raab gain ground after criticising the Treasury’s Brexit forecasts.
Our candidates realise we have to start early. We have regular dates set well in advance to get out on the pavement.
This is collective punishment for the new Brexit policy. P.S: when ratings fall in this way, place in the table scarcely matters.
Meanwhile, Williamson and Johnson’s approval ratings are in the doldrums.
“I think there will be a good deal, but I can’t pretend that there is a deal now that’s in our back pocket and we’re just going through the motions.”
May’s appeal next week at Chequers will be founded in grinding detail, not Churchillian rhetoric. Key to agreement will be taking Ministers with her and springing no untoward surprises.
Prioritising large over small, or current businesses over future businesses, would hurt workers, consumers, taxpayers, investors and the nation.
Yes, some rises are inevitable. But they must be balanced by spending reductions elsewhere if economic policy is to be practicable and coherent.
Speculation about pressure on Williamson, or calculation about Cabinet numbers, misses a key point: May must keep Davis and Fox onside.