Thread by @pmdfoster

So @BorisJohnson says the backstop must go and he won’t bring @theresa_may deal back to Parliament.

Is that still possible? Maybe. At least nominally. I set out here what has to happen at breakneck speed. /1

telegraph.co.uk/politics/2019/…

As @tnewtondunn reported there’s now several cabinet ministers that want a deal. That includes some big beasts am told. Gove and Javid - though don’t know who the three he referenced were.

BUT, as always, Q is what deal? /2

Understand that Frost been given leeway to go further on SPS and industrial goods, but that’s still piecemeal ‘slice n dice’ backstop. Won’t fly. Need to tackle customs. /3

But could DUP agree to NI-only backstop, IF it was time-limited (some murmurs it might) and consent mechanisms for its unwinding built in? Would that get Cabinet and most ERG on board?/5

All of this is so hard in time available.

EU utterly gloomy about prospects.

And likely Labour will want extension in any event before agreeing - to risk ERG running down clock. /6

So the risk to @BorisJohnson is massive - as I’ve argued before - might be less risk in just stirring up ‘People v Parliament’ election and staging #euco walk out.

BUT recall #ToryPartyConference slogan is “Get #Brexit Done” /7

The alternative for @BorisJohnson . is very high-stakes too: fighting a general election having failed to deliver on Conference’s pledge to “Get Brexit Done” would be an enormous political gamble.

We are entering a fortnight of big decisions. 8/ENDS