I’d love for James Kirkup to be right when he claims I am wrong about Boris Johnson. And as he knows vastly more than me about Tory party politics, it’s really not easy to disagree. But I must confess I remain to be convinced.
To start with, here’s why I want him to be right: I expect the EU to prioritise a deal on tariff-free, quota free trade in goods – with extensive so-called “level playing field” conditionality – and on fisheries. And to “park” many other issues till after 2020.
When will the BBC stop adapting Julia Donaldson books?
Michel Barnier duly confirmed exactly that to the European Parliament this week. I am well aware that some will say “take the win, and we are then free”. My point is that 2020 is being set up that way precisely because others see the opportunity of the very tight deadline: the “win” would, in practice, be for the EU side.
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Later today, the King will address the nation, as he has annually since he acceded the throne in September 2022. This year’s is expected not only to be the most eagerly anticipated and arguably momentous speech that Charles has delivered, but also probably since his mother attempted to make some sense of the chaotic, grief-stricken
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