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Per earlier discussion - I will come back when full piece done. But we have to be *precise* about Boris' Commons statement on Thurs. He did NOT say "drop it and come and talk." He did say: "A time limit is not enough. If an agreement is to be reached, it must be clearly...
understood that the way to the deal goes by way of the abolition of the backstop." "As a first step—let me put it that way—we need to get rid of the backstop." "The evidence is that other arrangements are perfectly possible, and are also perfectly compatible with the Belfast...
or Good Friday agreement, to which we are, of course, steadfastly committed. I, my team, and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union are ready to meet and talk on this basis to the European Commission, or other EU colleagues, whenever and
wherever they are ready to do so."
"On this basis" has been seized on by journos as a *precondition* for talks, though, as I tweeted yesterday, No 10 has refused to confirm this, merely pointing to PM's words
"On this basis" has been seized on by journos as a *precondition* for talks, though, as I tweeted yesterday, No 10 has refused to confirm this, merely pointing to PM's words
However, accept that No 10 quote issued after Merkel call Friday was stronger: "He said the only solution that would allow us to make progress on a deal is to abolish the backstop." My view still that there's real debate on way forward ENDS
