That's the thing though. @DavidGHFrost appointment isn't about bringing UK-EU closer together (politically or economically). His appointment is about making TCA work & be point person when it doesn't. Which is why it makes sense. Thread.
https://twitter.com/IanaDreyer/status/1362100614310883328
1. Kind of relief to Brussels: Frost has a reputation for being firm ("all abt sovereignty") but he does understand EU policy-making more or less. Was Brexit negotiator & worked in UK representation to EU in 90s. Understanding how EU negotiates is important to make TCA work.
2. This was never going to be honeymoon phase: UK will still ask for things it can't get, and UK and EU likely to grow apart, but at least EU won't have to go through whole charade of explaining how EU works, why market integrity is so important, etc. Straight down to business.
3. EU coordination: UK showing EU "dossier" isn't over and having a designated minister shows the importance of EU for UK both in economic & strategic terms. Also likely to make Whitehall EU coordination bit easier (see @ThimontJack & @jillongovt recent paper on this).
4. It's good for scrutiny: much easier for Parliament to call on Frost to explain state of UK-EU relationship & interactions with UK's other economic/political relationships.
5. *But* it's no longer a negotiation: so Frost will need good personal relations with EU institutions & member states. Many member states know Frost by name, but not personally. This must change if UK is serious about a new (and less combative) relationship with EU. END.
6. And why I don't think another Cabinet appointment wd have made much of a difference to UK approach:
https://twitter.com/GeorginaEWright/status/1362109101069721604?s=20
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