Opposing this proposal serves only to help those who wish to undermine our desire to respect the referendum result. It is only by being united that we can fight them off.
We set five tests for it. Does this draft agreement pass them? And does it really take back control of our borders, laws and money?
For nothing in return, by way of a guaranteed free trade deal, the Prime Minister is willing to hand over at least £40 billion, potentially £60 billion.
“No democratic nation has ever signed up to be bound by such an extensive regime, imposed externally without any democratic control… nor the ability to decide to exit”.
I am deeply disappointed by the path that the Prime Minister has chosen. It seems to be the very opposite of what the British people voted for.
Perhaps the Prime Minister will secure Parliament’s approval. But if she does not, the Conservative Party must choose a direction quickly.
Losing both them and the DUP will send a very strong signal to every Conservative MP about its implications for the Union.
She dodges a direct question on whether Parliament with have the sovereign right to withdraw unilaterally from any backstop.
Not a lot, yet – but the two fundamental things we do know already provide cause for Eurosceptic concern.
“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.”
There is no case for withholding it from them, for it only being shown after the event, or for not allowing them to study it.
The talks appear to be taking place on a more constructive basis – and within striking distance of an accommodation.
A response to Jean-Claude Piris and others who argue that the idea simply won’t fly.
It now the main issue blocking a negotiated agreement – thus risking a No Deal and potentially a harder Irish border. In short, it risks triggering the very thing it is supposed to avoid.
We should not be tied to rules that often apply extreme versions of the precautionary principle that throttle new developments.