@Dan1763 @econoclast_j @pmdfoster Don't think we are actually disagreeing
@pmdfoster @agaule Not defending how TCA was negotiated. IMHO too much focus on (theoretical) sovereignty rather than practical econ + geo-pol consequences. But don't think "Westminster" ignores movers & makers. Accept that impact is less if constituency is unaffected
@pmdfoster My disagreements with HMG over EU policy are no secret but I think the excerpt you cited doesn't reflect how elected reps of any party think. I noted that the piece refd to a *Whitehall* not *Westm* source so prob SpAd not someone with actual constituents
@pmdfoster Yr last point is the key one. IMO we are where we are in part cos post-ref sufficient ppl on both sides combined to block compromise. Also think UK needs to devise much better arrangements for parlty scrutiny of trade negots inc consideration of real world outcomes
@agaule @pmdfoster No & it's not just a Brexit point. Almost every big pol decision means some ppl & interests lose out. Govts & MPs have responsibility to decide whether that's outweighed by hoped for econ or pol benefits they believe will derive from the policy.
@econoclast_j @pmdfoster IMO they decided to put political sovereignty, esp a break with CJEU, ahead of everything else. Wouldn't have been my choice but Parlt had voted down 'softer' options.
@agaule @pmdfoster My point goes wider than Brexit. Almost every major policy choice creates losers as well as winners. Elected representatives have to meet & correspond with those who lose put & explain their case. Sometimes MPs' views change as a result.
Sorry Peter but I think that overstates it. Elected MPs deal every day with casework from ppl who move & make things etc. They must also decide whether the gains they hope for from a policy outweigh the harms caused & are accountable at the polls for their choice https://t.co/eLEZioQTj5
Some unqualified good news for people from all traditions in Northern Ireland https://t.co/kM5XyfbJ9m
@GeraintLThomas @stuartjones22 As Zhou En-Lai might have said if asked to comment "It's too early to tell"!