Brexit Bulletin: Donald Tusk holds the door open again

Good afternoon.

Donald Tusk sounded serious when he said this morning that the “door was open” still if Britain wanted to change its mind about leaving the European Union (not in itself new from the self-confessed "dreamer" of reversing Brexit).

The conduct of his fellow European politicians may ensure that door slams shut anyway. Michel Barnier has ratcheted up his demands over Britain’s potential transition period out of the EU, insisting that free movement rules continue to apply for up to two years after it leaves, while MEPs have lined up this morning to scoff at the British Government’s “scam” in promising blue passports post-Brexit. Those watching MEPs sound off about Brexit will have enjoyed a brief respite when a translator silenced Labour’s Richard Corbett mid-flow and could be heard offering their colleagues some chocolate.

While MEPs hold forth in Strasbourg, MPs have been getting on with considering the legislation designed to get Britain ready for life outside of the EU. The Withdrawal Bill is being considered at report stage today and tomorrow, with further amendments in the offing. Tory rebels have said they’ll side with the Government, which is making its own amendments to the bill, so it should sail smoothly on to the House of Lords.

That doesn’t mean the debate has been drama-free. Brexiteer Desmond Swayne seemed to mock Ken Clarke by pointedly looking like he was asleep on camera behind him, while arch-Leaver Sir Bill Cash compared the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights to “ectoplasm”.

The Government isn’t resting on its laurels, with Steve Baker writing in the Telegraph that “we will continue to work with MPs and peers in the national interest as we move forward in this process.” They’ll have a lot to get through given how much legislation needs to be passed to get Britain ready for Brexit.

This is an extract from my afternoon Brexit Bulletin. To get it straight to your inbox, with much more featured, sign up below

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