backstop

PM hopes EU will scrap “backstop” in return for unspecified commitments. If it wasn’t so serious, one would think this was one of his jokes.

Tory hopefuls have hardened their Brexit stances and declared Northern Ireland backstop “dead”. It may be too soon to read the last rites.

These “soft” options have a lot in common but also important differences. Neither is deliverable and both are worse than staying in EU.

PM’s resignation could sway Brexiters in third “meaningful vote”. But how can those like Johnson row back on previous damning comments?

DUP wants GB rules to stay aligned to Northern Ireland. Since backstop forces it to stay aligned with EU, scheme means all UK is a colony.

PM says we mustn’t leave Northern Ireland alone in an EU customs territory. But how can DUP be sure her successor won’t take up EU offer?

Johnson is particularly baffling on the backstop. First he signed it off, then wanted to “junk” it. Now he has softened his stance.

Tories’ “Malthouse Compromise” truce is falling apart. MPs must stop wasting time, rule out “fantasy politics” and back People’s Vote.

Hardliners will blame EU intransigence for no deal. But it’s their recklessness which threatens chaos for UK and peace in Northern Ireland.

May survived last night by promising fantasy Brexit. She knows EU will reject it, and must return to MPs empty handed before Valentines Day.

May makes out that if backstop is tweaked her deal is good to go. But it leaves UK poorer, less powerful and in Brexit talks for years.

Politicians change their minds over Brexit all the time. The people should also have a say on whether they want this Brexit mess or not.