The Prime Minister is right to be optimistic about our future relationship with the EU, but we must be ready for every eventuality.
This is not a pro-Remain article. Rather, my point is that a referendum is a horrible way of making political decisions, and we are where we are as a direct result.
The famous photo of the EU’s negotiator sitting with a pile of papers was misinterpreted. Those were the order that limit his scope.
While the Opposition laments the lack of agreement, their own position is far from clear – and making it clear would be very unpopular.
Plus: investment increasing, Heseltine declining. Listen to Farage – especially if you disagree with him. And: Activate sounds like dermatological face cream.
“Nobody will pretend it was anything but a tough exchange this week, but I think the British taxpayer would expect nothing less.”
Has anyone told Barry Gardiner about this latest change? Only last month, he wrote that staying in the Customs Union would be “a disaster”.
Such a phased withdrawal is not necessary, and it provides unnecessary succour to those as yet unreconciled to our leaving the EU.
The Brexit Secretary and the EU’s chief negotiator “get down to work”.
“I’ve been here in Brussels today… to begin the next phase of our work to build a new, deep, and special partnership with the European Union.”
Tusk’s statement last week responding to Article 50 struck the right tone. It was measured, matter of fact and avoided confrontation.
He lays out the three main negotiating principles that he wants to see for the Commission and the EU27.
The Chancellor suggested that thoughtful politicians incline to one. But the more thoughtful one is about it, the more problematic it looks.
While Tusk and Barnier fume, the member states sound rather more emollient.
The ECRG Chairman gives his regular report.
The Prime Minister is right to be optimistic about our future relationship with the EU, but we must be ready for every eventuality.