One of the most depressing concepts in physics is entropy – the principle that all systems tend toward disorder and breakdown. That’s all I could think of while reading today’s headlines praising the so-called “reset” deal between the UK and the EU.
I know the tricks of the EU’s trade – and “tricks” is the key word here
We’re being told this deal represents a new direction for Britain and its neighbour, a “new era”. It’s nothing of the sort. If anything, this “deal” is more of a repeat than a reset, a continuation of a long story of sellouts.
I can claim some experience here. Having served as the UK’s deputy chief negotiator in the trade talks with the EU in 2020, I spent hundreds of hours sitting opposite the EU’s negotiating team. I know the tricks of their trade – and “tricks” is the key word here.
Many commentators have expressed some surprise at the sheer paucity of Keir’s deal – and, indeed, it reads more like a glorified press release than a treaty.