Thread by @Usherwood

While we sit around for ambulatory Cabinet ministers and/or #URUFRA, some thoughts on getting to a Art.50 deal:

1/

Part of the issue here is that there are very many moving parts: not only in Art.50 (IE, governance, future relations, etc), but also in UK, in EU member states, and in EU itself

2/

The multiple interlinkages between these have been a factor in slowness of progress: choices on one mean implications for others

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When we think about 'a deal' we're typically trying to address all these points simultaneously

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But one option is to chop it up across time

Essentially: deal with some points now, while holding on others

5/

Already, we have the big chopping up of withdrawal issues from future relationship issues (even if UK - right now, in fact - still needs to consider both together)

6/

Can also see it in moves to draw out process beyond end of transition, with end goals on customs (of any flavour)

7/

But several key points to keep in mind, if you're going down this road

8/

Firstly, not dealing with a point now doesn't mean leaving it alone, but actively managing it

9/

So, yes, you could park final customs arrangements in mid-2020s, but you also have to agree what happens until then

10/

Part of that management might precisely be setting future goals, and mechanisms to get there, as well as interim arrangements

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Secondly, not dealign with a point doesn't mean forgetting about it

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Again, a plan and mechanism is vital here, to demonstrate good faith on progress. Some things benefit from being locked away for good, but not these ones

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Finally, amortizing across time requires a strategic vision: no good just hoping something will turn up

(insert your own comment here)

14/

So then: you don't have to do it all at once, but if you don't, then you still have some things to keep in mind

/end