Facing the Brexit facts
LOYALtY is a hallmark of the Conservative Party. But patience is being stretched and nerves shredded by the tortuous negotiations over Brexit.
Nevertheless, this is not the moment to abandon theresa May and the one chance this country has to exit the European Union in an orderly manner. the alternative is an extension that could see the entire project suffer a lingering death in the long grass.
As we approach the Brussels summit on Wednesday, it appears the Prime Minister is about to erase one of her cherished red lines in order to strike a deal with Labour and finally nurse Britain out of the EU.
She may be forced to concede a customs arrangement that would bind the UK more closely to the trading bloc than many in her party desire.
it is profoundly distasteful to any selfrespecting tory that Mrs May should be doing business with Jeremy Corbyn at all. But what choice does she have?
thwarted by factions within her own party, she has been forced to take this radical step. We are truly in the land of the imperfect – but this destination was not chosen by Mrs May. it was imposed on her by intransigent Leavers and Remainers alike.
the imperative now is to get the withdrawal deal over the line. Mrs May must hold firm on one of her conditions, however.
Many in Labour are desperate to sabotage Brexit entirely via a second referendum – like the 80 Labour MPs demanding it as a bottom line in negotiations.
it would solve nothing and widen national divisions. She should not countenance it.
true, a customs union is also a bitter pill to swallow. But nothing is forever and changes to our trading relationship can be made in future – once Britain is out. CONGRAtULAtiONS to James Cracknell, oldest- ever member of a winning crew in the Boat Race. Middleaged men contemplating receding hairlines and expanding girths can take inspiration from the 46-year- old, fully 25 years older than some team-mates. time and tide wait for no man. But Mr Cracknell teaches us that you can, at least, enjoy the ride.