Chequers deal

Again and again PM fails to take action on Brexit, preferring to run down clock in hope of a better hand. Meanwhile the country suffers.

PM has picked a fight with the EU over the Irish backstop. But it’s her own catalogue of errors that has got us into this mess.

Following rejection of Chequers proposals, PM has only dreadful options - unless, that is, she becomes a late convert to a People’s Vote.

May again promised last night on Panorama that we’d take control of money, borders and laws post-Brexit. That’s not so under her plans.

Some people think PM’s Brexit plan will fall apart if it’s detailed; others if it’s vague. They are both right.

Hardliners such as Johnson and Rees-Mogg are right to knife May’s Chequers plan. But they won’t come up with an honest plan of their own.

A People’s Vote would be tough for hardline Leavers to accept but it’s the only answer to the Tory dilemma that can keep the party together.

May’s critics rightly want to chuck Chequers. But their alternatives don’t stack up. They can’t stop peddling snake oil.

Tide is coming in fast to sweep away her unpopular Chequers proposal. The right choice will then be to ask the people what they want.

We must strain every sinew to avoid crashing out with no deal. But we mustn’t then breathe a sigh of relief if May produces a miserable one.

Many Leavers suggesting that “no deal” is likely are really trying to scare us into accepting a bad deal or a blind Brexit.

Although EU has killed May’s original proposal, it has left wiggle room for a new version. Problem is any deal will be even more miserable.