Right, now I've slept on it, I'm a bit calmer
1/
1/
Phrasing of quotes is careful, so still space to sign up to backstop, but without intention to ever use it, either because of another plan being in place or because interim arrangements apply
2/
2/
However, won't help give any reassurance to EU about commitment to backstop, and thus to Art.50 as a whole
3/
3/
Again, reads like purely domestic considerations are at play here: keep hard Brexiters onside, while also reiterating more bullish White Paper elements
4/
4/
Biggest wonder is thus, why do it?
If not out of Parliamentary woods, then certainly edging that way. Hard Brexiters have had their success, so logically (If balancing), CON softies need something to feel they have some value
5/
If not out of Parliamentary woods, then certainly edging that way. Hard Brexiters have had their success, so logically (If balancing), CON softies need something to feel they have some value
5/
Once again, not really clear what the game plan is here. Much will depend on rest of speech and tone, but at a point where EU buy in is essential to keep show on the road, this looks a puzzling development
/end
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