The Omnishambles of Britain's European Exit

Time is master over all, and reminds us of it often. As March 29 approaches (the date the UK leaves the EU), and the impossible negotiating position Brexit entails sharpens into view, it becomes clear this moment in European politics is one of those reminders.

"The ball is rolling towards the ravine and everyone is watching it without putting their foot in the way," Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte deplored in his weekly press conference.

Theresa May, on realising the deal she spent the previous twenty months negotiating with the EU would suffer an enormous defeat if put to a vote in parliament, delayed proceedings. Originally scheduled for December 11, she pushed the big vote back to January 15.

Time flies. The new deadline is now afoot, and little has changed for May and her deal. The king hell point of contention, prompting a group of rebel conservative MPs and all DUP MPs to reject it outright, centres on the Irish border.