Labour’s negotiations on a Brexit pact with the Government may well be pronounced dead today – partly because the party is launching its EU elections manifesto tomorrow and would presumably need to say something about a possible pact other than “don’t know”.
To be clear, there are more talks between the two sides this evening. But those involved tell me they have no expectation a breakthrough will be seized from the jaws of futility.
Simultaneously Labour’s leadership is consulting “all the elements” in and connected to the party, so there’s no great backlash from MPs or union leaders as and when the hopes of a Brexit compromise are officially abandoned – which could happen tonight.
Corbyn is, for example, meeting loyalist MPs later. And presumably the general secretaries of the big unions will be contacted.
One outstanding question is whether the party should now help the PM at least create the impression a process still exists to deliver Brexit, by providing assurances it won’t be wilfully destructive, as and when she introduces the Withdrawal and Implementation Bill to the Commons.
Comments
Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just $5 for 3 monthsAlready a subscriber? Log in