Despite all the denials, it seems that (predictably) the possibility of a disastrous, disorderly Brexit is concentrating the minds of some of the people who really matter (Merkel and Macron) rather than their puffed-up popinjay (Barnier).
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/aug/01/german-sources-deny-brexit-deal-offer-amid-panic-in-remain-campaign
It was always going to be the case that we have a stronger position than Barnier and his loathsome pal Juncker admitted - it's just such a shame that Mrs May has *** away so much of that advantage.
Anything that upsets Saint Tony and Wee Cleggy is probably good for Britain - lets hope it's the first step to a proper deal and that Mrs May discovers some backbone to turn the screw now that their are some cracks showing in the phony 'all pals together' act that the EU 27 have been evincing so far.
They need our money, they need our trade and (at long last) that seems to be concentrating the minds that matter ...