The moment the two clashed directly this afternoon.
Boris has taken a gamble. So have the six Ministers who came for Brexit on Saturday. But of all of that group, Patel has the most to lose.
It’s a big moment.
“A leap in the dark instead in an uncertain world – why take the risk?”
It is not a “renegotiation” at all, since there is no treaty reform – a point President Hollande was quick to make yesterday.
We will be reporting developments and offering analysis for as long as it takes.
“I believe our country would be freer, fairer and better off outside the EU. And if, at this moment of decision, I didn’t say what I believe I would not be true to my convictions or my country.”
There’s a case for remaining in the EU. And a case for leaving. But there is no case for staying based on this shrunken and slippery negotiation.
It is reversible in that its effect can be dampened over time and non-binding in that it relies on political good will to be implemented.
He said Britain should leave the EU if Britain’s relationship with it did not change. And since Cameron’s negotiation hasn’t changed that relationship, he is being true to his word.
“I will be campaigning with all my heart and soul to persuade the British people to remain in the reformed European Union that we have secured today.”
The Prime Minister’s statement from his press conference.
The Prime Minister returns to the summit.
I suspect that he has come to believe that, even with a leadership election round the corner, the Conservatives cannot become the party he wants them to be.
It is a grand delusion that, right after walking out of the EU, our former partners would be bound to give us a better deal than we have now, with none of the cost.