The case for a December GE is, given the Parliamentary impasse, overwhelming. The strongest case against, is that there is a risk that the GE will give Johnson a five-year mandate. Here are two reasons why the risk may be exaggerated... if the opposition can unite. Thread. 1/
First, Johnson will go into the GE, having failed his do or die pledge to leave the EU by October 31. 2/
And second, he will go into the GE, having to defend his concrete Brexit deal. The BP don't like it. The DUP don't like it. It is a deal which the opposition can relentlessly attack. 3/
But... given the rules of a GE, it is quite possible that Johnson can win a majority with perhaps only 35% of the vote. So, in order to deny him a majority, the opposition need to work together. 4/
That has (at least) two aspects. First, they have to cooperate so as to win as many marginal seats as possible. In many seats, there is only one candidate who can beat the Tories. It shouldn't be difficult. 5/
And second (and linked) they should have a common message. That looks like an impossible ask. But my thought is that if they accept that Johnson has (finally) defined Brexit, they can unite... to oppose it. 6/
