According to Steven Swinford of the Telegraph the remaining Eurosceptics in cabinet "aim to change the wording of the backstop exit mechanism to stop it binding UK in customs union indefinitely"

... so far it is understandable ...

"There's genuine optimism it can be done ahead of Brussels summit on Nov 25"

... what?????? Even by Brexiteer standards, that may be a new high for 'genuine optimism'