The events today have shown, I think, what happens when all semblance of trust is lost in our politics. First: how could any leader of the EU27 look at today and conclude that the UK can be trusted with the power to unilaterally ditch the backstop? Inconceivable 1/
No, this is the deal. There is a way that Mrs May could save face, however, if only she hadn't lashed herself to the mast of the Good Ship No-Referendum. How, you ask? 2/
The HMG should bring forward an amendment to the current motion that ensures that there is a Remain vs Deal referendum *even if* the Commons accepts the deal. That way, many of the rebels can support the deal as the safeguard against no deal and then campaign to Remain. 3/
She can then go to the country without being defeated and without facing a no confidence vote, and say "here is the deal I negotiated; it's the only one; No Deal cannot be countenanced; I think it respects the 2016 vote, but it's up to you. Is this what you wanted?".
Remainy MPs can also then say in good conscience: 'We've respected the referendum, there is a deal that avoids catastrophe which I have not blocked. I want to persuade you that Remaining is the best deal of all, and certainly better than this. But, it's up to you.'
@Sime0nStylites what say you, Simeon? It would involve great political courage, but it is a conceivable path through all of this.
