The prime minister says there is “no confusion at all” about his Brexit position. He has said so four times this week, which is how you know there is confusion.
He will make his case at the Brussels summit next month, where he has described improving the deal as his “responsibility.” The details of how he intends to do this remain under wraps. So do the details of what the deal currently is.
Asked by reporters to explain his position in plain terms, he said clarity is “a state of mind, not a sentence.” Downing Street confirmed the quote was real and that nobody has yet asked what it means.
Aides say the summit will feature a series of carefully worded hints, delivered in the style of a fortune cookie written by a civil servant. Delegates have been advised to bring a notepad and a sense of humour.
Is anyone actually following this? Yes, and they are very tired.
Sources close to the negotiations describe the approach as “bold.” They also describe it as “unclear,” which they insist is a compliment.