Interesting tactic from Govt today with Taskforce Europe briefing to Sundays about EU being divided & in disarray. Element of truth on divisions, though overblown. Claim it’s 2 weeks late with its mandate is nonsense - always been slated for approval by EU27 ministers on Feb 25.

So far EU27 have been successful at compartmentalising Brexit. They’ve been bickering over the budget for some time without it (yet) spilling over into their position on Brexit. Some in EU do fear the longer MFF impasse goes on the greater the risk of cross-contamination becomes.

Fine for No10 to brief about EU as EU does about UK. May was prepared to be used as a punchbag in that regard but Boris clearly wants to hit back. OK, but you’ve got to connect and this feels like a swing and a miss. Nowhere is it explained how all this helps UK achieve its aims.