It is a salutary reflection on the state of relations between the UK and the European Union that Monday’s summit in London will be the first meeting at this level since this country completed its departure from the EU. As such, it is to be welcomed as evidence of a new willingness by both sides to re-engage, if not necessarily of a warmer mood.
Advance billing suggests a determination on the UK side at least to put on a good show, with lunch on board a warship in the Thames and a signing ceremony at Downing Street. But stage management has a habit of being in inverse proportion to substance. The proof of progress – and how much – will be in the detail of what is signed. That negotiations extended into the 11th hour could be a good sign, or not.
