MvdV>> Still no definite "no". They are still talking but Barnier is MvdV>> not optimistic and the clock is ticking. Maybe, just maybe in MvdV>> the last minute they will find a soltution for the Irish border MvdV>> that is acceptable to all concerned.
DR> One part of me says that it's just window dressing, the other part DR> says that this is the usual way to a miraculous solution!
It could be either way, butmy impresseion is that they are still trying for the miracle.
DR> Whatever comes out (if there *is* a deal) it still has to get through DR> the UK parliament.
And there it may run aground again... Prabalby will. They will want a better deal...
DR> of this session is going to be very short with a general election DR> sometime in November (if there's a deal) or December (if there's no DR> deal). The delay if there's no deal will be to give time to put in DR> place a request for *another* extension. <yawn>
"Another extension" presumes an election beyond 31 October has been granted. The EU however has repeatedly stated that a further extension will only be considered if significant progress has been made and there is a deal in sight. At the moment that is not the case and so unless there is real progress in the next couple of days there will be no extension. Hard Brexit Oct 31.
[Queen's speech]
DR> I don't remember a time when a Queen's speech so obviously contained DR> plans which were never going to happen. That's why it's being dubbed DR> an election manifesto because it's supposed to appeal to the voter DR> with good times ahead.
If BJ wins the next election, which seems to be a distinct possibility, some of those plans may actually come into being...
DR> But her majesty, bless her, will dutifully go through all the motions DR> required of her by protocol. But wouldn't it be fun if she simply tore DR> it up and told everyone to stop playing silly games. I bet she'd like DR> to!
Wel well never know will we...
DR> Oh, I've just thought - if it's printed on vellum then it'll be rather DR> difficult to tear it up!
DR> Cynical? Me?
DR> No more than the rest of the country!
Your cynisism is justified. What a mess!
DR> P.S. If you don't hear from me again there will be two possible DR> reasons: (1) I had a mild heart attack three weeks ago and, although DR> I'm progressing well,
Oh boy. I hope the progress in your recovery continues.
DR> it could be that the tension has made me take a turn for the worse, or DR> (2) they've locked me up in the Tower of London for sedition!
In case 2, we will send my cousin Rogier de Ruyter to set you free. ;-)
Is that trip to the continent on the occasion of your 80th birthday still on?
