PM May has put the ball back into the EU’s court

AFTER two years of what has often seemed like complete inaction and chronic indecision over Brexit the Government has come up with a set of proposals to present to Brussels.

The principle of collective responsibility has been restored to the Cabinet by Theresa May and such squeaks of protest as have been audible over the weekend will not, it is clear, lead to resignations of ministers or the collapse of support, which could open the door to a Corbyn government.

The crunch talks at Chequers have resulted in something which almost looks like a united front. This allows the Prime Minister to lob the ball firmly into the EU’s court. Here, she is saying, is our serious proposal. Now you have to get serious, too.

There has also been a tremendous amount of behind-the-scenes activity including canny appeals to European leaders such as Angela Merkel, which effectively undermine Brussels.

While Mrs May may have briefly placated the Remainer Tory rebels with her softer Brexit package, she must now deal with the incensed Conservative Leavers who regard this as a “Brexit betrayal” and want her replaced.

But the Prime Minister continues to show great resilience. If the EU agrees to her proposals, or at least gives them serious consideration, then she could be said to have squared the circle, allowing Britain to begin to extricate itself from the EU.

If the EU rejects even this softer Brexit then she must be ready to walk away. Brexit may not mean Brexit in quite the way that Theresa May promised but no deal is still better than a bad deal.