In my latest piece bit.ly/2SIuuqD I argue that Mrs May cannot win the deal by talking about the Irish backstop to arch-Brexiteers but by persuading pro-European MPs of the merits of the package, including the Political Declaration. 1/
And the PD needs improving to give greater clarity and assurance to both sides as to the direction that will be taken in the negotiation of the final association agreement. This is partly a question of more positive and less tentative language, 2/
but also in softening May's red line on mobility of people - which would win concessions from the EU on trade in services (as the EU has always said). The EU should also insert robust EUCO language on Ireland in the PD. And agree to upgrade its legal status as EU soft law. 3/
Dejected Remainers should return the compliment by actually reading the enhanced PD, and by finding that it permits all manner of outcomes including those touted by Labour MPs. A better PD will enrage the militant Brexiteers. But it might locate the national interest. @epc_eu
