‘Bad’ deal was still the best we could expect

THE draft Brexit withdrawal agreement is far from perfect and seems almost certain to make the UK worse off than it is at present.

The EU had a strong negotiating hand – ours was weak – and the persistent failure of the UK Government to produce a workable solution to the Northern Ireland ‘hard border’ issue exacerbated our problems.

It is also easy to understand some of the fears about the 585 page draft. Under the ‘backstop’, which provides for a customs arrangement between the UK and the EU, Britain cannot withdraw on its own. It could be the archetypal motorway without an exit.

But the anxieties about the backstop are misplaced. As both sides have said, there is no intention of using this insurance policy and it is the option of last resort.

It is also the case that agreeing a backstop was a prerequisite of any deal. It had to done.

In these circumstances - a weak hand, and facts triumphing over fantasy – it is hard to see how the PM could have done any better.

The Tory backbenchers who are crying “betrayal” are the same politicians whose outlandish claims during the referendum got us into this mess.

Their self-indulgence continues through the bid to bring down May. Hard-Brexiteers realise no majority exists for their version of a free-floating UK, but push ahead regardless.

The Prime Minister should view a no confidence vote in her as an opportunity to take on her right wing. If she won the contest comfortably, it could be the making of her.