Even the near threat of such an outcome could outscale 16th September 1992 many times over in terms of setting political perceptions.
We are re-proving that ‘we learn from history that we do not learn from history’.
And, late in the day, the Prime Minister bows to our advice, and rushes on to Marr, today, to make the case for her new proposals.
The tension can be seen in the way the Prime Minister’s sensible effort at Chequers clashes with the deeply-seated values of many in the Party’s grassroots.
The issue lies in the Party’s image and how it communicates with voters, not the actual message.
If overcome by the belief that Putin bought the referendum, our advice is to lie down in a dark room until the feeling goes away.
The local election campaign was started with an eight page magazine highlighting our achievements on local issues. This was delivered prior to election expenses kicking in.
There are clearly questions about what’s happening in relation to voting, membership, and representation — and what the Party should or might want to do.
Also: Davidson calls for ’emotion bonds’ of the Union to be strengthened; SNP face tough choices on independence ‘summer offensive’; and more.
The longer the delay in making a decision, the longer it will take for an alternative to be ready.
But some, perhaps many, Tory MPs have these tendencies – including one no less senior than the Prime Minister herself.
The final part of our series this week on May’s elections. Will there be a LibDem revival – which polls have yet to indicate?
UKIP’s decline will probably allow the three main parties to each claim an increased vote share. Afterwards, the Tories will still be the largest party in local government.
Plus: Gauke’s failure, UKIP chaos, Salmond’s Russia Today shame, Corbyn’s anti-semitism debacle…and an invitation if you live near Bath.
We should not allow ourselves, in the next phase of negotiations, to be drawn into further migration concessions in exchange for trade concessions.