Conciliatory, but full of hope for Britain

TRUe, the tone was measured and conciliatory – too much so for the most ardent of Brexit zealots, impatient for a hostile confrontation with Brussels.

indeed, some maintain Theresa May has given in too readily to demands that we should carry on paying our eU subscription and remain bound by Brussels for a two-year transition period after withdrawal, during which little will change.

But on the points that matter most, the Prime Minister remained steadfast. Yes, we’re getting out of the single market and the customs union – no ifs, no buts.

Yes, we’re reclaiming control of our borders, our laws and our right to strike trade deals with any country we choose.

No, we will not settle for an ‘eU-lite’ deal like Norway’s – nor for any other off-thepeg arrangement that fails to take account of the UK’s unique position as the eU’s single most lucrative trading partner. At the same time, Mrs May remained adamant that no deal would be better than a bad deal, while reassuring businesses that there was ‘no need to impose tariffs’ where none currently exist.

As for her concessions, the promise to keep up our payments for a strictly limited period after Brexit in 2019 was generous. So, too, were her pledges to cooperate fully over security and expats’ rights.

But since we signed off the eU budget, which runs until 2020 – and will remain members in all but name for a further year – it is surely reasonable to offer payment until our separation is complete (which will happen before the next election).

Meanwhile, with Britain and europe under threat from islamist terrorism, it would be wrong to use our intelligence and military pre-eminence as bargaining chips. Nor would it be right to uproot eU nationals’ families settled in Britain.

But what made this speech stand out was the Prime Minister’s uplifting optimism and faith in Britain’s future as a prosperous sovereign nation once again.

What a contrast to some big businesses, flirting with labour since Jeremy Corbyn vowed to sabotage the Brexit Bill. if this unreconstructed Marxist achieves power, they deserve everything coming to them.

One thing is crystal clear. After this magnanimous speech – which appears to have achieved the remarkable feat of uniting the squabbling Cabinet – any further obstacles to a mutually beneficial deal will be the fault of Brussels alone.

does Jean-Claude Juncker, whose every word stiffens the public’s resolve to withdraw, want the hopes of 510million British and eU citizens on his conscience?