“Unlike the previous political declarations, the scope for delay, fudge or obscurantist language has passed. This is now a time for clarity and plain speaking.”
Also: Scottish Tories attack SNP over income tax ‘gap’; no boost for Plaid from new leader; and DUP’s Brexit donation given a clean bill of legal health.
Cox told the Cabinet that the EU’s admittance that the backstop can be temporary was a step forward. He is right, although the devil will be in the detail.
The talks appear to be taking place on a more constructive basis – and within striking distance of an accommodation.
The key to a good Brexit is empowering UK entrepreneurs to talk to their European counterparts and become ambassadors for Downing Street’s plan.
Meanwhile, my ECR colleagues and I continue to push for a sensible, nation-led approach to tackling the migration crisis.
Also: May meets new Plaid leader in Downing Street; Bradley mulls ‘external mediator’ for devolution talks; SNP row over ‘People’s Vote’; and more.
As Attorney General, he is telling his Cabinet colleagues what any proposals for a deal really mean – even if that’s inconvenient for Downing Street.
Meanwhile, almost a third of replies support a trade-off over a longer transition and the backstop. Two-thirds oppose any transition extension.
Davidson and Mundell are right to be concerned that a differential Brexit deal for one part of the UK could put rocket boosters under SNP demands for similar treatment.
Ireland has in recent years moved from a restrictive semi-theocratic state to a more relaxed definition of Irishness. And then there is Brexit…
Also: Scottish Conservatives keep up the pressure over fishing and the backstop; Plaid set out new front bench; and Bradley empowers Northern Irish civil service.
The UK should copy Canada only in regard to how it pursues a deal, and that means securing one that is bespoke to our economic needs and realities.