Brexit wrangle needs jaw, jaw

THE Tory Brexit negotiations are, all things considered, a slow-motion car crash.

They have the potential to leave the UK a marginalised, second-rate, offshore tax haven locked out of the biggest trading bloc on the planet, the EU.

The country, the economy and peoples’ lives are almost approaching a dangerous level of paralysis as we await some kind, any kind, of political direction.

But while the Brexit crisis is a tragedy for most, it is obviously an opportunity for others – like SNP MP Tommy Sheppard at last night’s Westminster Hall debate.

Any stalling by the Tories on delivering new devolved powers from Brussels straight to Edinburgh will be met, says Tommy, with instant IndyRef 2.

But despite what Tommy says, the desire for a second referendum is muted at best – even from his boss, Nicola Sturgeon.

Given the catastrophic example of Catalonia, the lack of certainty it would create does not appeal to most voters.

And Sturgeon, ever the wily operator, is well aware of that.

The First Minister goes to Downing Street today to attempt to reintroduce some kind of cordiality into the talks over which parliament does what and when.

But we don’t think she’ll be using the “i” word much.

Jaw, jaw is good. Even a glimpse of co-operation between governments would be welcome by all voters.

Blowhards of all shades, with their die-inthe-ditch certainty, do more to obscure the future than define it. We need statesmen and women, not populists and patter merchants.