Customs Union

Double-speak has reached new depths. Cabinet ministers are squabbling over whether a “time-limited” backstop should have a time limit.

MPs won’t back either Labour’s amendment or the original Lords one. But they might back a better version if peers propose it in “ping pong”.

Theresa May wants a time-limited Customs and Regulatory Alignment Period (CRAP). The EU will insist it’s indefinite. How miserable.

When MPs vote on EU Withdrawal Bill, they must be patriots. This is a time where putting the country first is also good for their party.

Being told by MPs what to do would be humiliating. But it would help resolve conflicts in her Cabinet and with the EU.

Squabbling ministers must spend recess agreeing wording of government’s Brexit white paper. They might as well have gone on holiday.

PM’s scheme to stay in customs union indefinitely demonstrates both Johnson’s impotence in Cabinet and her impotence in Brexit talks.

May’s plan to keep us in customs union until alternative scheme can work won’t satisfy EU, Brexiters or patriotic pro-European Brits.

May is promising to fill in details next month. Expect another mishmash of unworkable policies. Why can’t PM be straight with the public?

Frustrated arch-Brexiter says Brexit deal might need “new mandate”, including a people’s vote. It’s sign of support on both sides of debate.

As Cabinet fights over our future customs arrangements, kicking whole thing into touch could end up as path of least resistance.

PM’s latest bid to exorcise her Brexit demons sees her dividing her “war cabinet” into two sub-committees. More delays as the clock ticks.