David Davis’ appearance in the House of Commons on Monday was a master class in taking a long time to say almost nothing. But the Brexit secretary did say one thing of interest – that it was “very improbable” we would stay in the single market if that meant we have to give up control of our borders.
Now it has emerged that Davis wasn’t even speaking with the authority of the government when he made this comment. Asked if he was expressing government policy, Theresa May’s spokesperson said: “He is setting out his opinion. A policy tends to be a direction of travel. Saying something is probable or improbable is not policy.”
So where does that leave government policy? With the prime minister’s view that it is not wise to “reveal our hand prematurely“. Which effectively means we are back to “Brexit means Brexit”. Or, perhaps, waiting until the thin lady sings.
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