Thread by @Usherwood

So, it's the first TV CON leadership debate tonight. A quick reminder of what is feasible on renegotiating the Withdrawal Agt:

Nothing

Unless: A) Dublin can accept it, and B) EU27 are convinced change will secure ratification

Let's also remember no formal talks have occurred on renegotiation yet, so discount anyone saying change is available

Particularly, let's watch for anyone who talks about how renegotiation requires buy-in from both UK and EU. What's the quid pro quo candidates are offering?

On no-deal, what is the balance between being ready for it, seeing it as acceptable and seeing it as desirable?

If they see it as a means to improve negotiating power, can they explain how that works? Theory suggests that alternatives to negotiation only work if they offer a better outcome than negotiation itself, so how does preparing, by itself, help?

And if they talk of managed no-deal, can they explain why outcome of talks with EU on content of WA will have any better result than current version?

EU v.clear it will pursue that content in any case

And, as ever, let's note how they talk about extending Art.50 in Oct. It is absolutely ruled out, ruled in, or something fuzzy in between?

Last sense check will be Q of blame: are they throwing about, and who are they trying to land it on?

Remember EU is going to be watching too and taking notes.

Overall, I just can't tell you how excited I am at the prospect of it all.

Really