If Boris does a Brexit deal, it will be because of the ‘Surrender Act’

Will he strike a deal with the EU allowing Britain to leave this month? Will he compromise on the Irish border? I don’t know what Boris Johnson will do. I’ve thought for some time that he and the Conservatives would be quite willing to compromise on Northern Ireland’s future status, but I’ve also often wondered whether some people close to him would be quite happy to charge towards a no-deal exit in hope of smashing through all those who would stand in the way.

Let us assume the current talks with the EU are being held in good faith on both sides. This does make sense: both sides’ best interests lie in a negotiated exit, after all. How to explain Johnson’s drive for a deal, his apparent willingness to compromise? Here’s my answer: the Benn Act, which the PM calls that Surrender Act.

This is the law that will oblige Johnson to seek an extension to EU membership if no deal is struck by 19th October.