We must be ready to leave with no deal

When the EU says that Brexit talks aren’t progressing, what it means is that Britain isn’t giving in. In fact, the Government has done exactly what it should: there must be no fruitless extension of the deadline if Brussels won’t compromise on its ridiculous insistence that the UK stick to EU rules even when we are finally, decisively outside the EU.

What would be the point in that? Britain wants as much sovereignty as any other self-governing, independent state, and the freedom to compete and differ. What’s astonishing is that, after all this time, Brussels still doesn’t understand what motivated Brexit – demonstrated by its continued pressure on the UK to surrender on fishing, among other areas.

Now, of course, Brussels is dealing with a government with a strong majority and a proper philosophical commitment to Brexit. Britain’s departure was delayed for so long, ironically, because the May government was too happy to compromise; it gave in on all the wrong things, divided the Tory party and allowed the Remainers to kick the can down the road with endless objections that the past few weeks have proved were irrelevant. Because Boris Johnson has a clear-eyed view of what Britain really wants, there is no question of giving in on points of principle and thus no cause to delay. David Frost, the UK’s chief negotiator, has stuck to his guns on all the right issues, and it is now up to the EU to give ground – not us.

Unlike under Theresa May, we need to prepare seriously for the possibility of a “no deal” (in reality, no additional deal on top of the Withdrawal Agreement), in two key regards. First, we need a package of economic measures both to soften the impact of extra tariffs and other barriers, and to propel us forward: cutting regulations, as well as taxes. Second, we need to prepare properly to operate a customs infrastructure and all other relevant matters that would result from such an outcome, calculated to ensure that the impact for consumers and businesses is manageable.

Ultimately, a decent trade deal that respects both sides’ sovereignty remains the best outcome, which is why the Government is right to ask for intense face-to-face talks. But if the Europeans’ complacent leaders refuse to see the light, we will have to depart as friends but without a deal.