on the contrary. Each side has its own circle or circles to square. On the EU side, how to make a good trade deal look like a bad deal, bad enough to discourage net contributors to want to exit the club. On the UK side, how to reconcile the hard and soft options.But time is of the essence and which side has wasted it.
What is needed is a good transition.
Both sides need to agree on the principle of a transition first, then future relationship, then NI border, then the bill to put the entire program in place.
There is no reason why the bill could not be negotiated during the transition period, in parallel with a free trade deal, the UK will continue to pay into the EU budget while in transition.
It can be 10 years.