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I think most reasonable people would be happy with a short extension if the Prime Minister was closing in on a deal. Johnson sold his leadership bid on a "million to one" chance of no deal so his supporters clearly want a deal. He has much work to do before his deal is acceptable:
1. He needs to sort out the Stormont position to eliminate any DUP veto.
2. He needs to ensure that Northern Ireland (if not the whole of the UK) stays in the Customs Union to protect the GFA and the EU Single Market.
3. He needs to sort out the contradictory waffle emerging from his Government and give clear, precise plans that can be scrutinised.
...and after all that he needs to get the deal approved by the EU Parliament and Westminster. The latter will also need to pass all the necessary legislation. That is a lot to get done in 15 days. With the Tory conference done and dusted, Johnson can now bend and flex as required and, I think, also gives him space for a small extension. |
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