Thread by @jonworth

If - as we now think - a Deal is to be announced at press conferences in an hour, a few thoughts

🧵

First, this was NOT always inevitable. There have been times when it looked like progress was impossible.

Second, this isn’t the “EU conceding at the last minute because that’s what they do” - because the EU hasn’t conceded. The outcome looks to be v close to EU’s opening offer.

Third, by leaving it so late the short term benefits of the Deal are not really going to be felt - businesses have no time to adjust. Check for phase in periods in the Deal.

Fourth, this Deal won’t solve the UK’s border chaos - as the UK is still leaving the Single Market & Customs Union.

Fifth, the UK Government’s behaviour this autumn (Internal Market Bill) meant it lost trust in Brussels and national capitals. It starts its new relationship with its neighbours doubting it.

Sixth, there may be bumps yet. The EP has to ok this in January, and without a deadline may pose some tricky questions. They’ll be furious as Provisional Application was imposed on them.

Lastly, a mea culpa. My analysis throughout this phase leaned towards No Deal. That turned out to not be correct. There’ll be “I always knew this would happen” takes - ok, you are cleverer than me.

/ends