First big day in Brexit 2.0 - both sides setting out opening gambits this morning, PM determined to show leaving is worth it so after change rather than continuity, EU keen to protect its market - expect a lot of chest beating in next few weeks before real talks get down to it
PM going for deal like Canada has with EU and ministers reject idea they ll sign up to EU rules - important to remember notion of level playing field was agreed in political declaration - part of the divorce deal
And what does PM mean by this? ‘If we do not succeed, then our trade will have to be based on our existing Withdrawal Agreement’ - the WA includes UK following EU rules in the transition period and paying into the budget without a say
But others taking it to mean WTO on tarifffs plus Irish protocol agreed in autumn ...one pundit suggests it’s just a way of avoiding saying no deal
