This thread is for @seanjonesqc. It is about the misdirection of Brexiters' arguments; they are talking not to the EU (whom they should be trying to understand and persuade), but instead to the UK gallery. 1/9

Many (not least @chrisgreybrexit and @Sime0nStylites) have pointed out the many contradictions in Brexiters' arguments. In my view, they oscillate between two positions. 2/

One position (the argument from principle) is directed towards demonstrating that the asks they make of the EU are reasonable, and that there are relevant precedents. The UK, as a sovereign independent nation, is entitled to make them. 3/

The other (the argument from power) is directed towards showing that 'they need us more than we need them', with appeals to fish, car makers, etc. At the last minute, the EU will 'see sense' and 'cave in' to the UK's demands. 4/

The strengths of these arguments is, how to put this, contested. And I, among many others, have spent a lot of time contesting them. But that isn't the point of this thread. 5/

In this thread, I'm making a point about where these arguments are directed. They are not - in the main - directed towards the EU, but instead to the UK audience (in particular the Tory party and the media). 6/

The Govt is trying to convince its own supporters (perhaps, itself?) that it has powerful arguments of principle and power to make... instead of trying to persuade the EU to shift its position towards that of the EU. 7/

(It seems that the Brexiters have taken a leaf out of the Corbyn Labour playbook - expending energy trying to convince their own side that they have 'won the argument'.) 8/

Unless the direction of the argumentation changes, there is little chance - regardless of the rights and wrongs - of avoiding a no deal. And time is fast running out. 9/9