May Comes Out Fighting: But Too Late?

The Prime Minister threw down a feisty challenge to the EU to come up with their own proposals after they rubbished Chequers, as everyone not working in Downing Street knew they would. The problem for May, and indeed us all, is that it could be too late. This is how the negotiations should have begun promptly after the referendum result was known. ‘We are leaving. What are your separation terms?’ Then when we see them, we negotiate an agreement. Instead of which it has all be done back to front, with the UK offering terms which it has not power to enforce.

But it was not just back to front. It was muddled and delayed due to infighting right across the Tory party and all around the Cabinet table. Even if the EU cave in and say. ‘Yes we agree to Chequers!’ May would not be able to get it through the Commons. So this whole exercise is doomed anyway.

So. What Now?

Only one thing is certain. Nobody knows.