If PM wants an election, then surely the quickest way would be to encourage Tusk’s acceptance of the letter sent in his name on Saturday night, which would also be easier for EU27 to confirm very quickly, if it was confirmed an election was coming?
PM’s words after vote were curious:
- 1. Ramp up No Deal preps because the possibility of No Deal in EUs hands.
- 2. But tell EU “Our policy remains we should not delay and leave on 31 OCt, thats what I will say to EU”
- 3. But we will leave EU with this deal “one way or other”
- 1. Ramp up No Deal preps because the possibility of No Deal in EUs hands.
- 2. But tell EU “Our policy remains we should not delay and leave on 31 OCt, thats what I will say to EU”
- 3. But we will leave EU with this deal “one way or other”
Point 1. & 2 aren’t really consistent. By telling the EU that he doesnt want to delay and keep Oct 31st, he is at this stage increasing the chance of No Deal, by increasing the chances of what he warned about - the EU rejecting the already requested extension ...
Any time a politician says “Let me be clear” it is worth looking carefully at the words that follow. “Our policy remains we should not delay”. This could be a direction to Civil Service re Yellowhammer ramp up, even though it contradicts the extension letter already sent...
And then point 2 and point 3 appear rather inconsistent too.
Policy is to leave on 31 Oct no delay (ie implying No Deal still on table). But PM then says “one way or another we will leave with this deal” - which suggests No Deal no longer a UK aim.
Policy is to leave on 31 Oct no delay (ie implying No Deal still on table). But PM then says “one way or another we will leave with this deal” - which suggests No Deal no longer a UK aim.
Final point - maybe three seemingly contradictory points might make sense if Government’s position is now the UK should still leave by Oct 31st with deal, but accepts not with No Deal
If that’s the case, why pause legislation? Still (slim) chance could get it through by end Oct.
If that’s the case, why pause legislation? Still (slim) chance could get it through by end Oct.
Final final point - EU27 left space for PM to maximise leverage versus Parliament. The minute Tusk can confirm acceptance of the extension (remember he said no summit required last night) PM will try to get election, but not insignificant chance Opposition might try to VONC first
.... after all does the PM have the numbers, without the DUP, to pass the already started Queens Speech debate, let alone a Budget a fortnight today?
