If the General election is in Oct/November, then Corbyn can credibly argue there is still time to negotiate improvements. Once in office he might accept the May deal as the basis on which his "improvements" will  be based for sheer lack of time.

The backstop applies to N. Ireland and only N. Ireland. Corbyn is in favour of a united Ireland so he wouldn't have a problem with that. With the DUP out of the picture the backstop could again be part of the main deal - in return for whatever minor other concessions Corbyn might want and be able to get.  Possibly a stronger "political declaration".


Index of Frank's Diaries