This is the first Brexit "myth of the day' - that there are only 3 options - but it's complicated, which is why it needs explaining. Henry is probably right in practice, but wrong in theory, for all negotiations have a degree of ambiguity... 1/
Where is @HenryNewman right? As @davidallengreen never ceases to point out, we have 3 months until we leave with no deal automatically, and a broken political system / government / opposition. In this situation, any options other that this deal, stay, no deal, look implausible 2/
Why is it wrong to say there are only 3 options for Brexit? Because there are things that could change if sufficient political will exists. If 600 MPs said they woud vote for the Withdrawal Agreement if a certain change was made, it could happen 3/
If the UK decided to join EEA this could make the discussion on the backstop very different - as we'd be talking about a shared legal framework and existing customs codes. But of course we're not, and there probably isn't a majority for EEA 4/
The reason why it is important to spell out that there only being 3 options isn't quite right is that this is one of the main reasons why you can't close the debate, there are probable variations, there is complexity, ambiguity etc. Pedantic but necessary 5/
But the 3 choices are probably the ones we have, as the PM, supporters of the deal, and hardcore remainers and leavers, all want to present the choice in that way, rather than seeking consensus positions. So here we go into 2019... 6/ ends
