The customs union debate has now slipped its moorings. It is no longer about what is possible/not possible - it's a proxy war for the right to define what Brexit means.
The upside, is that it feels like we are entering the endgame. /1
The upside, is that it feels like we are entering the endgame. /1
What is remarkable is that Boris & Co can make the argument against 'crazy' new 'Customs Partnership' (and we can argue how 'crazy' another time) without anyone forcing them to confront the concomitant issues that follow, on Ireland and UK territorial integrity. /2
At least if Brexiteers win, we get to have the discussion. Unavoidably.
The Irish backstop/protocol will need to be signed and ratified in the Withdrawal Agreement.
Someone will need to work out how that gets through parliament, given the implications for Unionism & Scots /3
The Irish backstop/protocol will need to be signed and ratified in the Withdrawal Agreement.
Someone will need to work out how that gets through parliament, given the implications for Unionism & Scots /3
The 'MaxFac' option doesn't provide satisfactory answers to these questions.
But staying in CU, or a new CP which seems to amount to darned nearly the same thing, doesn't settle the Tory civil war.
The 2022 election will be another fight over staying/going. /4
But staying in CU, or a new CP which seems to amount to darned nearly the same thing, doesn't settle the Tory civil war.
The 2022 election will be another fight over staying/going. /4
But it seems as if none of these discussions can even begin until Mrs May and her cabinet decide which version of Lalaland they want to set course for.
Then the journey to the real final destination can begin - with the crew in full mutiny before we even cast off. Oh joy. FINIS
Then the journey to the real final destination can begin - with the crew in full mutiny before we even cast off. Oh joy. FINIS
