"One faction of the Tory party wants a customs union with the EU to protect jobs; another fears that would turn us into a vassal state. Both are right.
The more they tear into each other, the better. The greater the chance we’ll then end up with the only really good solution: deciding to stay in the EU. That would allow us both to protect jobs and to keep our place as one of Europe’s big powers.
Three officials have told the FT that the government is secretly looking at the possibility of staying in a customs union with the EU covering goods post-Brexit. There are two main reasons. First, our manufacturing industry – which depends on complex supply lines that criss-cross Europe – wouldn’t face trade turmoil. Second, it would be easier to avoid a hard border in Ireland, something Theresa May has already agreed to in her deal with the EU before Christmas.
Philip Hammond, the chancellor, is said to favour a close customs relationship with the EU post-Brexit. The prime minister herself hasn’t ruled it out."
This was two days ago. What's changed?
Like it says, if they carry on tearing each other apart, we'll end up deciding to stay in the EU.
Can you imagine any other EU country watching from the sidelines and deciding it's a good idea to follow us?