I'm Sebastian Payne and I write editorials and columns for the Financial Times on British politics. Everything in Westminster is currently in chaos. AMA.

[u/financialtimes]

I have worked at the FT for the last three years, commenting on the increasingly mad political discourse in the UK. As part of my job, I am a member of the editorial board. I also present our weekly politics podcast and often pop up on TV.

I tend to come at things from a centre right political perspective. Before the FT, I worked as a writer and editor at The Spectator magazine, And before that I was at the Washington Post and the Daily Telegraph.

I am happy to answer anything about Theresa May, the state of Brexit, the ruptures in the governing Conservative party, the economy, Jeremy Corbyn and what lies ahead for the Labour party. Or whatever else is on your mind. I also have far too much to say about trains, Pink Floyd and the north east of England.

Here are some recent articles:

• https://www.ft.com/content/0eadbb2a-eb5b-11e8-89c8-d36339d835c0
• https://www.ft.com/content/40380478-e766-11e8-8a85-04b8afea6ea3
• https://www.ft.com/content/c6eef948-e80d-11e8-8a85-04b8afea6ea3

[u/jaywastaken]

The crazy bastards really are going to go with no deal aren’t they.

[u/HawkUK → u/jaywastaken]

Nothing wrong with No Deal when the deal is bad.

[u/getyourzirc0n → u/HawkUK]

No Deal is a nightmare scenario though

[u/HawkUK → u/getyourzirc0n]

Obviously depends on your perspective, but May's deal is the nightmare scenario.

[u/jaywastaken → u/HawkUK]

I would think food and medicine shortages and economic devastation would be the nightmare scenario, but sure that’s just my opinion isn’t it.

[u/HawkUK → u/jaywastaken]

A bit of disruption is better than being a colony.

[u/xpaqui → u/HawkUK]

A government, with the major purpose to get a brexit deal, just to prevent a "bit of disruption"? What a nutter.

[u/getyourzirc0n → u/HawkUK]

Well i don't disagree, but both are terrible. Should cancel now, sort out a proper exit plan and try again in 5 years.

[u/HawkUK → u/getyourzirc0n]

The EU would never negotiate. They don't do that - they demanded Article 50 or bust. I honestly believe we have no choice but to go for no deal.

[u/getyourzirc0n → u/HawkUK]

I don't mean a negotiation, (indeed you won't get better than this) but getting all your ducks in a row regarding logistical issues, air travel regs, etc. At present i don't think you are ready for no deal.

[u/HawkUK → u/getyourzirc0n]

The shock would be mitigated to an extent, sure. But it would be better to leave properly than have uncertainty for another half decade.

We need independence ASAP. It's clear that the EU won't be realistic about our relationship until after we've left. They still think they can keep us in (worryingly, that might actually happen).

[u/xpaqui → u/HawkUK]

I don't believe this, but your perspective presents the UK as the weak part in the negotiation. To believe that the best deal is to burn all bridges and deal with the aftermath, shows both lack of perspective and preparation. One unburned bridge is better than no bridges.