We all know Johnson isn't a bumbling idiot. He's devoid of morals and unceasingly devious. And this is now a very dangerous moment, through combination of several main factors:
1) Johnson has quietly dumped old Leave referendum lies and fantasies. Instead: simple new slogan of "just getting Brexit done". No accountability for all those broken promises/false expectations. But he's just as dishonest as ever: this self-inflicted misery=still in its infancy
2) to capitalise on "just get it done" narrative, Johnson has pulled contrick of "great new deal". It's just May's old Withdrawal Agreement, but with EU's original NI-only backstop instead, though with NI in worse-off position because has to run two customs regimes simultaneously
3) Johnson asks for extension but uses pathetic sleight of hand to make it look like he's the victim. Yes: another blatant eg of his shameless self-preservation. But more importantly: might be enough to win him Commons majority for deal, if wary Tories think no deal now averted
4) even though reality is: no deal would just have been postponed for another 14 months. Which puts Johnson's new deal back in full sync with May's old plan, ie transition period just wins a bit more time and distance, between their own actions and true / full Brexit consequences
5) and so hard right feels triumph within its grasp. Brexit is done, yet with all those broken referendum promises long forgotten. Just have to wait another year, then Tories free to dismantle European socio-economic model at leisure. Can & will still blame EU for delayed no deal
Other factors of course, eg EU27 willing to work with Johnson for deal in own ST interests; malignant power of right wing press in waging Johnson's propaganda war; fragmented opposition struggles to muster truly effective alternatives; cowardice of so many "moderate" Tories etc
But basic fact remains: Johnson has lied, tricked & schemed his way to brink of victory. Only real way to stop him? Ensure #PeoplesVoteNow
Let's hope @jeremycorbyn and other doubters finally realise (4 years too late) dangers of allowing Brexit - an inherently Hard Right Project
Let's hope @jeremycorbyn and other doubters finally realise (4 years too late) dangers of allowing Brexit - an inherently Hard Right Project
