Why should the EU offer any more to an inconstant departing member, which can’t be relied on to deliver ratification of any agreement?
Strangely but truly, the best way of helping the Prime Minister is to send her back to Brussels to win concessions on the backstop.
Indeed, it would be best to pause Brexit altogether until the parties have worked out what they want – and put it to voters in a general election.
There are four steps she must take, successfully and in short order, to be in with any chance of seeing it fly.
We need a new strategic partnership with Ireland. At the moment, that end seems endlessly remote.
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.
Theresa May’s deputy dismissed WTO Brexit, Norway, Canada, and a second referendum in short order.
EU leaders should recognise that May is serious in trying to reach a negotiated deal that has a chance of passing Parliament.
“The backstop would endure indefinitely, and it would tie us to the Customs Union with no escape.”
If all this is correct, the EEA route seems to me a sensible way forward if Parliament can’t agree on a deal.
There is concern in some capitals that the UK can use it to secure privileged access to the Single Market in goods with, over time, a competitive advantage.
EU federalism will be stronger in Britain, as rules are simply imposed on you. And stronger in the rest of Europe – because you’re leaving us.
Breaking her promise in such a way would enrage many voters, divide her Party, and cost the nation dearly in lost Brexit opportunities.