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#UKInternalMarketBill - what now?
It's as bad as, or perhaps even worse, than expected. Brandon Lewis was not exaggerating.
#UKInternalMarketBill - what now?
It's as bad as, or perhaps even worse, than expected. Brandon Lewis was not exaggerating.
That means Tory MPs are going to have to nail their colours to the mast. A dozen or so have expressed opposition already - the question then is how many do, and are there enough to gut the bill of the nasty bits.
There's also the House of Lords to account for. It's more likely to have problems than the Commons does.
With both the Government will concede a little, but generally try to stick to its position. But the bill will not survive in *exactly* this form.
With both the Government will concede a little, but generally try to stick to its position. But the bill will not survive in *exactly* this form.
Probably more likely it's amended to water it down than being rejected completely.
But there is a timetable problem. It's going to be a good few weeks until this is all clear - and because the Brexit clock is ticking, the EU side cannot afford to just wait to see what comes out of the UK parliamentary process.
What does EU do?
Argue this is the UK not respecting the commitments it has previously made, and push back? Possibly by suspending negotiations until Number 10 gives some clarity?
Or keep the notion open that negotiations continue - albeit slowly, and at administrator level?
Argue this is the UK not respecting the commitments it has previously made, and push back? Possibly by suspending negotiations until Number 10 gives some clarity?
Or keep the notion open that negotiations continue - albeit slowly, and at administrator level?
The EU would rather avoid being manoeuvred into the position of it being the one that caused a breakdown (that would be how the UK press would play it).
But likewise the EU is also answerable to publics in the EU Member States, and a strong reaction towards rogue neighbour UK might go down well in Paris or Berlin.
I think we can now be pretty certain no one will be dousing the 
UK side.
And all of this surely brings No Deal somewhat closer. Maybe those columnists in The Guardian saying Johnson wants a Deal earlier this week were a bit off?
/ends
UK side.And all of this surely brings No Deal somewhat closer. Maybe those columnists in The Guardian saying Johnson wants a Deal earlier this week were a bit off?
/ends
