A deal that’s soft around the edges, long on future intent, short on details

As negotiations stand now, the last remaining hurdle between both sides is an agreement on the border between Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic. With time is running out, both London and Brussels may be willing to agree to cover off most of the issues, but write soft language and commitments on the border.

This is a hard sell for May to those who feel it will not honour the sentiment of the referendum decision to leave the EU quickly. Last December, the UK committed to keeping Northern Ireland in “regulatory alignment” with the rest of the EU. But because of May’s reliance on the DUP, that means she faces intense opposition to any move that singles the province out for special treatment. She needs to satisfy the DUP while keeping the EU onside as well.

President Emmanuel Marcon of France and others have expressed opposition to the blind Brexit, wanting Brexit wrapped up one way or another – and the sooner the better.