No one overlooks any such thing, as far as I am aware. But once again, it looks like nothing apart from trade registers with the leave supporters. I have said all along the the EU position involves trade and social and polical considerations. The absurd comment has been made that only trade has been spoken about, not social and polical. Anyone who says that is blind to the fact that the Irish border, for example, is politically and socially important to the EU and has been a key factor from the start.

So yes, the Brexit deal will hurt the EU economically. But they might decide that is s still the least cost taking these other concerns into account. Their decision, not yours, mine, or the UK governments.