Davis has no right to cry foul over no deal

The Brexit process has taken a bizarre twist with David Davis’s complaint that the European Union is harming British interests by preparing for a “no deal” outcome.

Perhaps a man who does not believe economic impact assessments have any value would object to any kind of hypothetical planning, but Mr Davis must realise the absurdity of his position.

Threatening to walk away from the negotiating table without a deal being struck has been one of the Brexit minister’s favourite tactics. He has used it frequently and billions have been set aside to mitigate the impact so he cannot reasonably cry foul when his opponents take him at his word.

Technically, he has a point in as much as the UK remains a member of the European Union until March 2019 and should not be prejudiced until that time.

But the realpolitik means the 27 remaining members of the union will spend the next 14 months securing their own interests in exactly the manner Brexit backers insist the UK must do.

Concerns about damaged British interests should have been properly addressed during the referendum debate and to suggest they have come as a surprise is ludicrous.

Opponents of withdrawal have sounded warnings for months and been told their fears are baseless.

We may be about to find out who is correct.