,
6 tweets,
3 min read
Read on Twitter
@syrpis 1/ Very interesting thread, Phil. You make a persuasive case about the allure of a general election as a way to avoid confronting difficult decisions. These two tweets are where I'm doubtful, though, for a number of reasons. 
@syrpis 2/ The first is that I'm not convinced the EU would allow an extension unless one of the outcomes of whatever were proposed - in this case a general election - could lead to something that would be in the EU's interest (so no Brexit, a ratified WA or [possibly] new red lines).
@syrpis 3/ But for that to be established, it's almost as though parties' manifestoes would need to be clear and presented to the EU for inspection in time for an extension to be granted and the vote to take place. Would that be possible? Is it realistic?
@syrpis 4/ Things are complicated further by the 20 or so heavily remain-leaning Tory rebels plus goodness knows how many dozen moderates who wouldn't personally want to fight on a no-deal ticket. Would that mean a round of constituency re-selections?
@syrpis 5/ And what would happen if - as is quite likely - we ended up with a coalition comprising parties with different positions on Brexit? A referendum, perhaps, so not impossible and we'd probably get a further extension. But I don't know.
@syrpis 6/ So... lots to consider is my rather imprecise conclusion. I'm not saying you're wrong and, even if you are, as you say, this is a mug's game; I'm really just stress-testing the idea in my own mind (but in public!). Keep up the engaging threads! /Ends
