I think this is fundamentally misunderstanding the process, Henry. See why below.
Commission negotiates on behalf of MS (they are continually updated throughout process). It isn’t strictly one among 28.
Commission also expects UK to challenge its positions (it’s a negotiation after all).
The problem is that UK has been clear on what it doesn’t want, but not so clear on what it does.
But it’s not only about what UK and EU want, but also how this relationship would work in practice (dispute settlement, enforcement). On this UK has provided some detail, but still lots of holes.
Looked at it from a MS perspective, cd argue that UK hasn’t been taking process seriously either.
I think MS could budge if UK put forward a realistic proposal that fits all requirements: ambition & governance/mechanisms.
