James Forsyth James Forsyth

Don’t expect much on Brexit before Valentine’s Day

Don’t expect much movement on Brexit this side of Valentine’s Day, I say in The Sun this morning.

There are two reasons for this. First, EU leaders are irritated with Theresa May. She signed off on a deal with them, assured them it could get through the Commons and then lost by a record margin. They are now sceptical when the British indicate that this or that change could get the deal through parliament. Despite the Brady amendment passing, the EU are still doubtful about what would get a deal over the line.

But there is another reason beyond their irritation why the EU are holding off from engaging with Mrs May. They want to see what happens when the Commons next votes on Brexit on the 14th of February.

It is expected that Yvette Cooper will bring back her amendment which would force the government to seek an extension to Article 50 if it can’t agree a deal with the EU.

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