Quote of the day

The Prime Minister decides to go it alone:

“We seek a new and equal partnership – between an independent, self-governing, global Britain and our friends and allies in the EU. Not partial membership of the European Union, associate membership of the European Union or anything that leaves us half-in, half-out,” May is expected to say.

“We do not seek to adopt a model already enjoyed by other countries. We do not seek to hold on to bits of membership as we leave. The United Kingdom is leaving the European Union. My job is to get the right deal for Britain as we do.”

Is there something shameful about seeking to split the difference between full membership and a solitary. lonely existence out in the cold?  Why seek to invent a new model if an existing model might be readily adapted?  If it's good enough for the Swiss, for the Norwegians or for the Canadians, what makes us so different?  Or are we so thirled to the notion of proud Britannia's singularity that we will cut off our nose to spite our face?