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Leaving Brussels - belief on EU side that Corbyn letter to PM is a “game changer” mentioned to PM directly by Tusk and Verhofstadt. Why? Because the people that matter here are unconvinced that the PM can deliver a majority of Commons having been previously promised one.
Eg readout from senior EU official - Tusk raised “promising” Corbyn letter with PM today:
Also NEW:
Barwell secret mission to Brussels Monday involved meetings with senior politicos not just scoping possible concessions, but to convince them PM has capacity to win a majority - none convinced by Brady vote. Burnt by believing claim was one for original deal lost by 230
Barwell secret mission to Brussels Monday involved meetings with senior politicos not just scoping possible concessions, but to convince them PM has capacity to win a majority - none convinced by Brady vote. Burnt by believing claim was one for original deal lost by 230
PM acknowledged this concern in TV clip in Brussels with reference to “stable majority” - code in Brussels for a proper cross party deal that can unlock EU concessions
Corbyn letter seen as being drafted to push the right buttons in EU for example reference to “shared institutions” & now backing a backstop.
Arched eyebrows at the PM talking through “various options” rather than having a specific idea or plan to negotiate.
Arched eyebrows at the PM talking through “various options” rather than having a specific idea or plan to negotiate.
Some in EU27 interpreted the Government whipping the Brady vote after having implored at EU Summits that this was the only way to get a deal, as her now going for No Deal..
Some EU27 nations pressurising EC to ameliorate fairly hardline No Deal positions a bit - ambassadors meeting next week may ease eg no deal Aviation, but no plans to ease up on eg border checks for customs & animal/food. No Deal tour of EU capitals from Selmayr deputy
Bottom line: I get no sense at all there will be anything in the way or concessions until
1. UK comes up with a specific plan
more importantly:
2. That plan can be demonstrated to have a credible and stable Commons majority.
For 2. heads now being turned to Corbyn letter
1. UK comes up with a specific plan
more importantly:
2. That plan can be demonstrated to have a credible and stable Commons majority.
For 2. heads now being turned to Corbyn letter
Turning up in Brussels to try to save a deal with no specific plan, and then being told to look at the “promising” plan of the Leader of the Opposition, the main feature of which you’re on record as calling a “betrayal”.
That probably is a special form of political purgatory.
That probably is a special form of political purgatory.
Did manage to find @MichelBarnier after the talks with the PM ... asked him how they went..
Gnomic repetition of the phrase “We carry on...”
What could it mean?
Gnomic repetition of the phrase “We carry on...”
What could it mean?
