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THREAD. Brussels is less interested in process than in outcome. Any proposal from London for a bespoke UK deal must be clear, internally coherent & negotiable with the EU. It also needs to be capable of being wrapped up in a revised Political Declaration well before 12 April. 1/
While the options of no deal, May’s deal and revocation of Article 50 are easy to draft, other options less so. Use of shorthand ‘Canada’, ‘Norway’ etc is misleading. A minimalistic FTA creates more problems than it solves. Full customs union membership is very constraining. 2/
Best deal involves (a) UK-wide customs accord that obviates use of Irish backstop; (b) softer line on mobility of persons allowing better access to trade in services; (c) closer regulatory alignment leading to participation in EU agencies; (d) upgrading of PD’s legal status. 3/
And that option needs to secure a genuine and durable cross-party majority of MPs prepared, even in the absence of government help, to enter talks directly with the Commission. END/ @oletwinofficial @NickBoles @YvetteCooperMP @Keir_Starmer @hilarybennmp @normanlamb @WeyandSabine
