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So some excitement over the suggestion the UK Government is exploring the idea of Northern Ireland of staying within the EU SPS area. No doubt this is a big issue, but as below, comes with many challenges, and is scarcely the only reason for the backstop.
On balance more likely this is a tactic to show seriousness rather than pursuing a deal, not least given the likely issues with the DUP, and the chances such a deal would be rejected by his own Brexiteer hardliners.
Noticeable that the PM can't offer any actual substance on negotiations, and evades any question on proving this. He's also just trotted out the old 'EU only concludes deals at the last minute' stuff that isn't true
The PM's logic is all over the place. The EU needs to know Parliament supports his approach, but a vote for or against no-deal does no such thing. And proroguing the House shows no such confidence, not least as he can't then update Parliament as he just showed.
Incidentally did the PM just promise that the Canada trade deal CETA would be rolled over in the event of no-deal? We await to hear, but the last time we did Canada was blocking this.
Overall verdict on the PM's performance - fatally lacking in any evidence to suggest he wants a deal, given the weight of evidence in the other direction. Problem is - publish proposals and be criticised by own side, don't publish and be criticised by rebels.
And just in from Brussels - they are not buying the PM's talk of progress
