The disarray among MPs is very apparent and a second referendum is becoming a possibility. A problem is how it is to be worded.
So long as the EU requires a guarantee of a borderless divide between Ireland and Northern Ireland it is difficult to see how any agreement could achieve a Commons majority. A majority of Conservative and opposition party MPs would be necessary to vote it through, although that could lead to Northern Ireland leaving the Union, a prospect that would not appeal to MPs. Unless Ireland decided to accept one or two years of certainty and dispensed with the guarantee, the likelihood of a no-deal Brexit would become a probability. It may be uncertain whether other counties consent is not required to dropping the EU demand for a guarantee.
To be fair to the electorate any referendum should make it clear that the EU makes trade deals for countries in the EU customs union and the possibility (or probability) of a no deal Brexit. Otherwise a Referendum should pose the same questions as the original and the electorate asked to vote accordingly.
S. Friedman
Temple Close, Watford
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