The abiding sin of the whole EU debate in UK is a failure (on all sides) to talk honestly about trade-offs. Tendency to claim options don't or shouldn't exist when clearly they do and that options that are out of reach are close and would work a treat. 1/
Easy to demonstrate how brexiteers guilty of this but remainers can be too, and if they are going to get the chance to make their case again they also need to avoid unrealistic claims 2/
First, don't pretend that UK will be in much of a position to push for reform, especially on freedom of movement. UK voice will count for less than it did in 2016 3/
Second, accept that to gain influence UK will have to be constructive which means that a positive case needs to be made in any 2 ref, not simply that no deal will hurt badly. 4/
Third, the EU will remain flawed and often dysfunctional. Leavers may have plenty of 'told you so' moments. It is possible to be positive about the benefits and candid about the downsides at the same time.
