Why Tories are tempted by Justine Greening’s second referendum

When an influential centre-right Tory, who has served in May’s cabinet, says that the prime ministers’ Brexit plan is the “worst of both worlds” and a “fudge I cannot support”, it is clear beyond doubt that the PM’s most important policy is in trouble.

For Justine Greening, the proposal to follow EU rules for the production and consumption of goods and food, and to collect tariffs for the EU, is neither properly leaving the EU or a rational “softer” Brexit.

What she says she fears, in an article for the Times, is parliament rejecting May’s plan, but finding it completely impossible to force through a more satisfactory relationship with the EU.

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So – and this is something of a shock – she has come round to the idea that there should be a further referendum.

And importantly she thinks there should be three choices on the ballot paper, May’s package, Brexit with “no deal” or remaining in the EU.