Germany’s Foreign Minister has hinted that there could be a renegotiation of the UK-EU deal after MPs vote to reject Theresa May’s deal this evening, as is almost certain.

Heiko Maas has said today that: “The agreement stands, as it is. I doubt very much that the agreement can be fundamentally re-opened. If there were a better solution, it would already have been put forward.”

But crucially, he added: “If it goes wrong tonight, there could be further talks.”

Brexiteer MP Owen Paterson described the statement as “very significant”.

Very significant statement from Germany’s foreign minister that the EU would be prepared to reopen talks if and when the Withdrawal Agreement is defeated in the Commons. https://t.co/jUrEoCdMFS

— Owen Paterson MP (@OwenPaterson) January 15, 2019

There is a better solution. It was the one that the EU’s Donald Tusk put out again in October when he wrote: “From the very beginning, the EU offer has been a Canada+++ deal.

“Much further-reaching on trade, internal security and foreign policy cooperation. This is a true measure of respect. And this offer remains in place.”

May’s deal is dead. Time to switch to Canada+ whilst making clear that the UK is prepared to walk away with No Deal.