The May Speech: But whose Speech Will It Be?

It is put about by Downing Street spinners that May will be making a Big Speech soon (soon =after the Supreme Court has given its ruling, also soon, but that soon = when they are ready). She will lay out her government’s negotiating ‘stance’ and at last we will know where we are headed. But it is more interesting than at first it sounds. Because there are powerful rumours, not from Downing Street, No 10 anyway, that tell us that ‘substantial parts’ of it are being drafted by Davis the Brexit Secretary and Boris. Ah ha!  So that is what is afoot.

You can read it, the rumour, as the Prime Minister is a listening person who likes to engage the creative talents of senior clever colleagues. Or you can read it that she is a listening person who is having to do as she is told because those very senior colleagues have decided that they have had enough dithering and discord and she either does as they say (and write) or they will walk out of her government and bring the whole thing down.

Liam Fox, the International Trade Secretary, the supposed no 3 in the Brexit Trio, now a Duo, has been sidelined and is not contributing. That is because he talks nonsense and nobody takes him seriously. Even in the government.