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Feels optimistic to me...the Q is HOW an alternative delivers on Single Market, GFA and all-Ireland economy.
Per thread y'day that means tackling customs issue & more. I hear warm EU words too, but seem aimed at shooing @BorisJohnson into NI-only backstop /1
Per thread y'day that means tackling customs issue & more. I hear warm EU words too, but seem aimed at shooing @BorisJohnson into NI-only backstop /1
@BorisJohnson EU sees Johnson sincerely wants a deal; see he's boxed in, doesn't want extension, doesn't want 'no deal', doesn't want to break the law.....ERGO...he must want a deal that delivers on Irish backstop, with some window-dressing, some add-ons on consent and some slimming down. /2
@BorisJohnson But even if that was case, how does BJ demonstrate that goes over in Parliament?
Assuming Johnson persists in Canada-Dry FTA approach for rest of GB, that puts a major border in Irish Sea. NOT de-dramatised.
It ALSO consigns GB to hard/frictionful border with EU /3
Assuming Johnson persists in Canada-Dry FTA approach for rest of GB, that puts a major border in Irish Sea. NOT de-dramatised.
It ALSO consigns GB to hard/frictionful border with EU /3
@BorisJohnson Why would Labour agree to that?
It delivers Brexit on Oct 31 for Johnson.
It screws supply chains and workers (who's wages must fall to maintain competitiveness, and the Unions knows this)
And it divides the Union /4
It delivers Brexit on Oct 31 for Johnson.
It screws supply chains and workers (who's wages must fall to maintain competitiveness, and the Unions knows this)
And it divides the Union /4
@BorisJohnson So I get why NI-only, dressed up, sorts it for the EU. I don't get
a) why Labour votes for it
b) how Johnson shows he has a majority for it.
coz after @theresa_may there needs to be certainty. As on EU dip says to me "we only have one shot at this" /5
a) why Labour votes for it
b) how Johnson shows he has a majority for it.
coz after @theresa_may there needs to be certainty. As on EU dip says to me "we only have one shot at this" /5
@BorisJohnson @theresa_may My own chats in Brussels reveal warmth, belief that Johnson wants deal, decision to encourage him into the cul-de-sac...but hard edges on the conditions needed to deliver an alternative the actually delivers a fully open border in Ireland. /6
@BorisJohnson @theresa_may To make that work, seems clear EU needs NI inside customs territory of the EU - which is why @theresa_may opted for all-UK.
DON'T hear any appetite for 'trust us' - viz, lets agree SPS/ELEC/CTA and then leave rest to 'trust'. What @LeoVaradkar wants "legally binding" deal/7
DON'T hear any appetite for 'trust us' - viz, lets agree SPS/ELEC/CTA and then leave rest to 'trust'. What @LeoVaradkar wants "legally binding" deal/7
@BorisJohnson @theresa_may @LeoVaradkar Only way that might work is rebranded NI-only deal, matched (back again) with high alignment UK offer in relevant areas, including LPF to shrink the 'gap' in the Irish Sea. But then it's 'bye-bye the bucaneers' Brexit'.
To me, Boris looks boxed in, both in London and Brussels/8
To me, Boris looks boxed in, both in London and Brussels/8
@BorisJohnson @theresa_may @LeoVaradkar What I hear is much closer to @AlbertoNardelli positions outlined here..
Love that: "my granny would be a bicycle if she had wheels". Quite. /9
Love that: "my granny would be a bicycle if she had wheels". Quite. /9
@BorisJohnson @theresa_may @LeoVaradkar @AlbertoNardelli In the end, as Charles notes there are "immense" gaps on the substance.
I'd share more in the optimism if I could see how these could be closed in a way that flies in London.
Otherwise I hear the EU, understandably, not being churlish. But not moving either. ENDS
I'd share more in the optimism if I could see how these could be closed in a way that flies in London.
Otherwise I hear the EU, understandably, not being churlish. But not moving either. ENDS
