Take a breather

One has to admire the stamina Theresa May keeps up over Brexit but not the Prime Minister’s judgment over advisers or calling that early election or handling of the EU negotiations. The Government’s reluctance to disclose the legal advice received from the Attorney General hardly reassures voters on either side of the issue.

Society is divided these days on more than Brexit and Opposition calls for an election are more likely to result in a hung Parliament and we already have the inoperable one in Northern Ireland.

Brexiteers and Remainers might pause for the time being to take advantage of that EU legal opinion suggesting the exit deadline can be called off – not to end matters, but to give more time to avoid the UK ending up with the worst of both worlds – no say in Brussels on key issues and politically stranded in the EU with no cross-channel ferry.

More time would see the political situations building up in France and Italy and even Sweden play out and result in greater readiness within the EU itself to change and willingness to co-operate with the UK.

JIM CRAIGEN

Downie Grove, Edinburgh