The Torygraph is reporting that there is a deal over the Northern Ireland Protocol. Less red tape is always sensible and that is what the UK will get but the overarching power of the ECJ will also be enshrined in the agreement. Westminster has backed down, as it had to.
The attempts by the ERG, DUP and all the rest to tear up the deal they agreed to has failed, as it had to. It was madness to start a fight with the much more powerful EU on this matter, or on pretty much any issue; if we are being totally honest.
But the damage has not just been limited to anguish amongst the ultras, or to the UK’s relationship with the EU. It is perfectly obvious that business investors, other countries and their politicians were looking on aghast at the stupidity, chaos, dishonesty and pettiness of the British government.
That damage is permanent, and could easily have been avoided.
Some polite, quiet, reasonable and sensible chats over a couple of coffees, which sought to find a compromise to ease trade and cut delays would have achieved all the government has got.
Maybe the government is now finally learning that getting on with your neighbours is just common sense, and that those who always propose throwing dog mess over the fence are not quite the modern day Metternich’s that they think they are.
Economics, trade and Brexit, not necessarily in that order but the dog always comes first.
By Jonty Bloom Media
The UK government might have backed down, but don't expect the DUP to. Anyone with a hint of knowledge of NI unionist politics will be aware that "No" is the default position. The DUP lost badly in the last Assembly election because they were perceived as not hardline enough by c. 7.6% of voters who chose to vote for Jim Allister's more unwavering Traditional Unionist Voice. The DUP fear that if they agree with the new protocol, they will lose even more votes at the next election. Allister will label them as "Lundys", the most feared insult within Unionism/Loyalism.