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EU watching indicative votes process closely today- it would welcome softer #Brexit but believes MPs out of touch with reality /1
IF MPs unite around a softer #Brexit and IF Theresa May accepts that wish and communicates it to the EU, Brussels says can amend the political declaration document on post Brexit EU-UK relations in a jiffy BUT /2
All forms of #Brexit (bar no deal or no Brexit) require the much-derided Withdrawal Agreement to pass first /3
EU understands MPs don’t want a ‘blind #Brexit ‘ but that’s what they’re likely to get whatever they vote today. The political declaration isn’t legally binding. A future UK Prime Minister could opt for a very different Brexit when trade negotiations actually start /4
This is probably why the Ken Clarke option today reads: “Make it UK law to negotiate a customs union with EU”. He’s seeking to restrict the power of the future PM to row back on parliament’s will - if it chooses a softer #Brexit /5
NB The political declaration is not legally binding because by law, EU cannot negotiate future trade relations with a member of its club. UK has to leave first. Then negotiate. /6
It goes without saying that EU thinks all this #Brexit soul-searching, decision-making and recognition of impending trade-offs by MPs should have happened way before now - the 11th hour /7
