A longstanding characteristic of our EU negotiations is that Conservative MPs opposing compromise claim to be strengthening the PM’s hand with the EU. But by being so willing to cry betrayal they’ve made it impossible to find a deal acceptable to both the EU and Leave voters. 1/3

At the same time, those who want a deal - because they understand the consequences of no deal & the limits to what the EU will concede - are accused of undermining the UK’s negotiating position. At this point, hardly any Tory MPs are publicly making the case for a deal. 2/3

There was a particular responsibility on those who campaigned to Leave to explain the realities of what was achievable & the consequences of failure. That didn’t happen*. Now left with a choice between no deal or many leavers feeling betrayed. 3/3

*Except Michael Gove 2018/19.