@Paul. We all know that a deal isn't concluded until it's signed so it's not surprising that negotiations could be reopened. Obviously everyone, including Johnson, knew a no-deal would be disastrous - apart from perhaps a few ERG idealist extremists who didn't care about any consequences. Interestingly, most progress appears to have been made since the Benn act was passed and the no deal option was removed. Mrs May had the problem that she'd taken the lead in negotiations and when the DUP balked at the Irish solution in her original deal she came up with the "backstop". When that was thrown out as, sensibly, she didn't want a no-deal there wasn't really anywhere for her to go: she'd got what she agreed to! The perception I have is that Johnson's deal is considered worse than May's. I've seen this in business where someone new coming into position doesn't have the "baggage" of the outgoing person so can start afresh. I suspect also that Johnson has the advantage of being ruthless and no scruples about lying and going back on his words; he seems to have shafted the DUP; May was a Christian with principles, a disadvantage in the world of politics? I suspect Brexit fatigue has also helped, it's stopping so many other things from progressing? Still, Boris has still to get it through the Commons on Saturday but perhaps eve the ERG know they'll get nothing better?
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