The plan is not perfect. It is a compromise. But as its popularity grows, it has attracted some unfair and inaccurate criticism.
At the heart of the disagreement between “People’s Vote” campaigners and the Norway Plus supporters is whether the 2016 result is accepted or not.
Were it not for the backstop, May’s deal would get over the line – with support from an overwhelming majority of Conservatives, including us.
“Once you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains, no matter how improbable, must be the truth.”
Theresa May’s deputy dismissed WTO Brexit, Norway, Canada, and a second referendum in short order.
Norway-to-Canada was one thing. Norway-plus-the-backstop is another. It is inferior even to the Prime Minister’s proposed deal.
But it could take the ruling out of all other options before we get there. And if MPs ends up reaching a consensus view, then the Government will have to adopt it.
It is hard to see how the different Brexit alternatives can be presented anything like as well on TV as they will be in Parliament.
As a bloc with heightened economic weight, with the UK as a key influence, it would have greater flexibility to negotiate over issues such as immigration and budgetary contributions.
A staple of stagecraft magic is misdirection. While his audience is gawping at one thing, the magician is swiftly doing another. So it may be now.
I also propose the Government staying neutral to recognise that people across the Conservative Party have very genuinely held, but different, views.