We can expect greater divergence, whether we like it or not, and should focus on our diplomatic relationships outside the bloc.
Post-Covid, the environment is likely to be egalitarian and interventionist. For libertarian, small state Eurosceptics, this must come as a disappointment.
It is time for the Commons to stop telling us what it’s against and to show what it’s for, which ought to be: this deal.
The Chequers Plan has been dead for some time, but Johnson has now read the funeral rites over it.
Don’t be so distracted by the actors – and all the talk of deselection and elections – as to miss the drama’s bigger picture.
As their conference opens this weekend, they are pondering claims that his ratings north of the border are dismal – and how to respond.
That’s variously for a customs union; for a custom arrangement plus the Single Market; for a second referendum, and for staying in the EU.
Those for included Eustace, Fallon and Percy. Those against, Dowden, Quin and Skidmore.
The Letwin plan has not exactly delivered the promised clarity. Instead, the Commons has again said what it does not want.
Longer extension, Customs Union, ‘Common Market 2.0’ and so on all have severe downsides.
Our party owns this crisis. If we honour the referendum we can shape the next decade. If we don’t then chaos – and Corbyn – await.
The benefits of this simple approach are that we can settle this debate now rather than condemn our country to years more argument.
On almost every measure it offers a superior blueprint for leaving the EU than the Prime Minister’s Withdrawal Agreement.