Anthony Butcher

http://www.opinion.telegraph.co.uk/o...ixopinion.html
So what would this actually mean in practice?

Here is a summary of their conversation with the EU:

Tories: We want to get better terms for A, B and C.
EU: Why should we give you a better deal than the one you have already agreed to?
Tories: We will leave the EU if you don't give them to us.
EU: Liars.
Tories: Er...but we need to show that we can make gains from the EU.
EU: OK, you give in on C, D and E and we will give you A, B, and C.
Tories: Done.

The end result of renegotiation will simply be to gain in some areas and lose in others. Without give and take, there is no negotiation. The only real way that they can get a better deal from the EU is to withdraw completely and then re-enter under a completely new set of terms. And that is never going to happen.

Do the Tories actually believe that the EU will make a special exception in their case? I think not. This is a hot air publicity stunt with no genuine commitment or substance.