Probably depends on what they think are the consequences of flexibility on the backstop

I think the EU does want a deal. They are as fed up as the GB public with this constant uncertainty and they also recognises the damage a No Deal departure would do, They are, however, also are very solid on the four freedoms as something they will not compromise on. They see it as a benefit of membership and therefore not something they can dilute for what effectively will be a third country. The inclusion in the latest proposals of words to the effect we want regulatory divergence will make them less likely to compromise. We’ll see what happens if they get into the negotiation tunnel, but I think concern about this makes it more likely Ireland & the EU will want a watertight backstop. An irish sea border only works if N.Ireland stays in the customs union, doubly unacceptable to unionists.

Posted By: Tressells Broadbrush, Oct 3, 11:32:24