ANALYSIS

Two-and-a-half years after Britain voted for it, we now have a definition of Brexit.

It is 585 pages long and is being defended as the best of a bad bunch of options by its designer, Theresa May.

Tories who oppose it say it doesn’t match the promise in the manifesto of the 2017 snap election – a section only 984 words long.

The gap between the two is either the stuff of fundamental difference, or irresponsible posturing against the nation’s interests.

This deal is a transition agreement lasting for 21 months.

During that time, the UK’S relation with the EU effectively is the same as before – the European Court of Justice is the supreme legal authority, Britain will follow all EU rules and any new EU rules will apply.

Yet as of March 29 next year, Britain will have no MEPS or officials in the EU.

This transition period can be extended if trade negotiations move too slowly.

During this time, the UK is in a ‘single customs territory’ – should it fail to agree with the EU in subsequent trade negotiations, then it remains in.

Northern Ireland is treated differently to the rest of the UK, in that it is bound to even greater harmony with the EU Customs Union.

Crucially, if the UK decided it wanted to walk away from the future trade negotiations, it could not unilaterally withdraw Northern Ireland from the customs union.

In short, the EU would have a veto on Northern Ireland leaving.

The deal also puts off a decision about access to Scotland’s fishing waters.

The Tory manifesto said “we will no longer be members of the single market or customs union”.

The manifesto also states “the days of Britain making vast annual contributions to the European Union will end”.

May’s election promise was “to emerge from Brexit a strong and united nation” in a “smooth and orderly departure”.

As of now, none of those pledges appears true.