[Max Goodman]

Dear British friends,

Again I turn to you in confusion about British politics. (Your politics are fascinating just now, and I find it hopeful that there is a country where conservatives are willing to put what they perceive as the nation's best interests above loyalty to party!) Can any of you help me understand a couple of points?

What's up with Johnson and the backstop (keeping Northern Ireland in a (temporary) customs union with Europe)? He seems not to have proposed any alternative to it, but his interest in negotiating one is reported seriously, as though such negotiation can take place without any alternate proposal.

Why did Johnson give Parliament time to rebel? Why did he prorogue Parliament beginning mid-September and not immediately (or immediately on their reconvening after their break)? (I don't mean to ask you psychoanalyze him; I'm hoping there is a practical reason, maybe some law, that explains the timing.)

Thanks.