The divisions and impatience exposed could well be real, but it doesn’t follow that Brussels is about to suddenly shift its policy.
She yesterday achieved the outcome most likely to prop her up – at least for the time being. But Cooper, Letwin and Bercow are waiting in the wings.
If he starts ringing alarm bells over the next few days, the possibility may be real. If he doesn’t – or only goes through the motions – then it probably isn’t.
The Prime Minister knows that a short extension is most likely to keep her in Downing Street. Which is why she always likely ultimately to back one.
Whilst it remains the case that the Protocol could conceivably remain in force indefinitely, that scenario has become more theoretical than it was previously.
A number of important points about his view have been overlooked or misunderstood by some MPs and commentators.
It would need unanimous agreement. Looking at each of the 27’s varying comments, there are six distinct camps of opinion.
The final paragraph of Cox’s advice notes that in some circumstances the UK could suspend or exit the backstop under the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties.
Honourable countries face up to the consequences of their actions. They don’t, like dilatory schoolboys late with their essays, simply ask for more time.
MPs have less than a day to study this revised deal. So today’s vote should be postponed. If it isn’t, they should withhold support from the Government.
She says that a new target date of December 2020 for its end has been agreed by both parties to the talks.
That’s “the position of the United Kingdom”. But is it that of the EU too?
It really is something when a significant part of the EU leadership joins the list of agnostics. No wonder there is nervousness in Dublin.