It is dangerous to credit politicians - UK or EU - with rational behaviour in the public interest they represent. They are far more concerned with electability and image.
If a deal comes it will be very last minute allowing both sets of negotiators to insist they were tough, but GOT IT DONE. Good for respective public images!
If a deal doesn't happen the ground has already been set for each to blame each other for intolerable intransigence.
The reality of course is that the Withdrawal Agreement was signed before they had agreed what would follow it. A piece of profound stupidity in my view - the outcome was all but inevitable.
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