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I know the media is eager to points score who 'won' or 'surrendered' on the final outstanding issues in this negotiation.
The fact is, regardless of who moves, where, and how far on fishing, governance and LPF, the final deal will be good for both the EU and UK.
The fact is, regardless of who moves, where, and how far on fishing, governance and LPF, the final deal will be good for both the EU and UK.
On fish, the worst case scenario for the UK is that the status quo is maintained in a tiny sector.
The worst case scenario for the EU is they'll have negotiate annually for access to UK waters on behalf of a tiny sector.
The worst case scenario for the EU is they'll have negotiate annually for access to UK waters on behalf of a tiny sector.
On LPF, the worst case scenario for the UK is that at some point in the future, their regulations fall so far behind the EU's that they lose some of the market access this deal secures.
For the EU, it's that in that hypothetical, they have fewer options.
For the EU, it's that in that hypothetical, they have fewer options.
The criteria I am applying to judge 'good' here is the alternative that exists on planet earth, which is the end of the transition period on January 1st without a trade deal.
There is no scenario under which Brexit is cancelled or the UK remains in the Single Market. None.
There is no scenario under which Brexit is cancelled or the UK remains in the Single Market. None.
Is this trade deal good compared to membership of the Single Market and Customs Union?
No. I am on record in approximately 50,000 places making that clear.
However, it is unquestionably better than the actual alternative, which is trading with the EU on WTO terms.
No. I am on record in approximately 50,000 places making that clear.
However, it is unquestionably better than the actual alternative, which is trading with the EU on WTO terms.
