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With all the #Brexit talk in UK focussed on loopholes and SpAds - maybe good moment for a change of perspective, based on some "Continental" insights this week. Starting with Barnier's Friday statement... (thread)
2/ Which makes the October Council possibly not a deal, but an extension Council. But: Remember the March 19 EU Council? Over night 27 leaders turned the table & wrote script for UK domestic agenda by giving Theresa May 2 deadlines.
3/ That could happen again, because 'London needs to tell us what it wants' (same old phrase). But 'London' is split btw PM and HoC & Art. 50,3 says extension needs to be 'in agreement with the Member State concerned' plus unanimously decided by EU27...
4/ ...who are weary of being dragged into internal UK battle. Plus: PM wants lose alignment/water down LPF. Which has gone down badly with many of EU27 who already compromised on divergence for current WA. Strengthens argument of those who are pro No Deal.
Lastly: EU27 always said another extension needs good reason (GE, 2nd ref). At same time EU27 prepare their own blame-game. So why not send PM back on Oct 18 with empty hands & 14 days left until No Deal? German public at least rejects further concessions. See chart. END 
