Theresa May's Balancing Act Speech. Steely Opposition to Trump Tariffs. Wintry Outing

The Prime Minister gave her speech on the planned relationship with the EU, presenting some more detail and aspirations. The emphasis of the speech was on economic factors. Key points were:

• Restating that we are leaving the EU and customs union.
• Rejection of Norway or Canada models of agreements with the EU.
• Acknowledgement of impact on Northern Ireland and Eire.
• Intention to make border as soft as possible.
• 'Life is going to be different(!)"
• Acceptance that EU law relating to EU matters will still impact on the UK.
• Wanting a say in key matters relating to Data security and transport.
• Ability of EU and UK citizens to work in each other's areas (though presumably with some restrictions)

I could go on but the full text is here: Prime Ministers Speech on Brexit and relationship with the EU today.

This was largely a speech to a domestic audience, or should I say the two extreme wings of her party holding her to ransom, both on the remain and brexit side. One analysis stated that the success of the speech would be measured by whether one or other of the party wings looked overly happy - which would make the speech a failure. If they were relatively neutral, then the balancing act had been maintained.

The polarisation was reflected in other reactions to the speech. These included cautious optimism from business and the DUP that the Prime Minister might be taking steps in the right direction towards negotiations. Sinn Fein, the German leader of the EU Centre Right Coalition and Nicola Sturgeon were scathing to various degrees. Der Spiegel has an article on three reasons why Brexit will probably happen (no real change in voter balance between remainers and brexiteers; high hurdles politically for a course change; a lack of political will). The message is gradually sinking in that the UK is really (reluctantly) willing to cut off its ties and sail into an indeterminate future.

President Trump's planned tariffs on imported Steel and Aluminium are raising ire in Canada, the EU and China - and internally in the US. However he is currently sticking to his guns. Speaking of which, the White House attempted to reinterpret his statements on gun control measures in a way that would cause less offence to the strident defenders of the second amendment.

Found myself hurrying to the bus stop this morning as it seemed from by bus app that Stagecoach had changed the bus timetable without letting us know. However, setting off four minutes earlier made the connection to the guided bus more convenient. I arrived early in St Ives and hurried against the wintry breeze through a decimated market, where traders had obviously thought twice about coming out due to the snow and ice.

After a bacon butty and networking at the Taproom, it was off to the Norris to help prepare materials for tomorrows Civilisations activity. Interesting conversation about the benefits of a winter cruise to Norway for the Northern Lights (and rare hurricane force winds). Also had a great example of an interconnected world, where someone who has fallen in Australia, getting a cut to the head, phones the UK for advice and help, which is then supported by another contact back in Australia. Fortunately all was well.

Snow flakes began falling and swirling around the museum at around 2 pm so caught the buses back home before a small dump of one or two centimeters of snow. Spent the evening doing some more microscopy for Open Studios.