Theresa May is still edging towards a full Brexit deal

MRS MAY is facing pressure from both Leavers and Remainers over her Chequers agreement which they describe as unworkable. Brexiteers regard it as a betrayal of what they voted for in the referendum two years ago.

What’s more the former education secretary Justine Greening has called for a second referendum on EU membership and gone out of her way to rubbish Mrs May’s plan. If a second referendum was held it would mean that politicians would be passing the buck back to the voters. This would be a massive dereliction of their duty and a profoundly undemocratic move.

Thankfully Downing Street has rejected Ms Greening’s demand, saying: “The British public have voted to leave the EU. There is not going to be a second referendum under any circumstances.” For that relief much thanks. Mrs May defended her Chequers plan yesterday at the Farnborough airshow though there are signs that she is prepared to toughen her stance towards the EU by making concessions to Brexiteers.

Mrs May is stubborn. Many – both Brexiteers and Remainers – are convinced, and have been saying so vociferously, that a “no deal” is more likely than ever before.

But the truth is that the tenacious Prime Minister is edging ever closer to a deal. She has to get it past Brussels and through Parliament. But recent history shows us that she will carry on despite finding herself caught between a rock and a hard place.