Very good thread by @JenniferMerode. I'd add 3 points. 1) Everyone knows Brexit negs can't progress until UK state aid paper is released/shared with the EU. But EU is also sceptical that the new regime will be *operational* by 1 Jan. Seeing UK paper is not enough.. 1/4
The real question is: What does Govt intend to do once free of EU rules but prior to the implementation of its new regime? 2) As @JenniferMerode says, we should be careful about idea that we’ll see a repeat of last Nov-@BorisJohnson bounced into last minute deal 2/3
BJ is VERY wary of signing up to a deal that could come back to bite him later; thinks NI protocol did just that. This will make him more, not less, cautious about possible fudges on state aid. 3) The implementation period of any UK-EU deal is *key* 3/4
For facilitating a compromise/landing zone on state aid. Even as a possible vehicle that enables both sides to keep talking beyond 31 Dec. Folks should pay lots of attention to it 4/4
