The EU Don't Like it Up 'Em

Unless I have missed it, I have not seen a single commentator who thinks that Mrs May’s “Chequers” plan has any chance of success as proposed.  Even if she steers it through Parliament to the point of actual negotiation, by overcoming the increasingly strident opposition of various factions within her own party, her grand scheme will almost certainly be either rejected out of hand by the EU or face such critical demands for concessions that it becomes worthless.  She must know this and its consequences for a potentially chaotic conclusion (if the latest EU project fear is believed) and yet she persists.  It is believed Einstein said that the mark of insanity was doing the same thing over and over again but expecting a different result.  Perhaps this truth will dawn on Mrs May as she enjoys her “well earned” break?  Perhaps she should reflect, whilst on her walking holiday, that she was elected on the Lancaster House manifesto and that that road not taken should be the direction of travel, after all?  Who in her party could deny that collective responsibility?  Even if the change of direction should prove a contortion too far, Mrs May should, at least, recognise that she must get out of the way and let someone with commitment get on with it?  It is about time be began negotiating with some purpose other than lame surrender.  Corporal Jones would have remarked, aptly, “they don’t like it up ‘em!”