Britain is obviously entering the Brexit negotiations with a weak hand. Why else would its Prime Minister make a scarcely veiled threat that Britain's co-operation in security, intelligence and crime-fighting in Europe depended on the terms of Britain's departure from the European Union. The threat, which Theresa May's ministers have since downplayed, was simply not credible. Britain remains strongly committed to Nato, which is the pillar of Europe's security not the EU.
As for crime-fighting, it is inconceivable Britain would refuse to co-operate with European police, especially on counter-terrorism. Most of May's speech to Parliament as she formally invoked Article 50 of the EU constitution was about the ties that would continue to bind Britain and Europe when Britain leaves. These passages were much more credible than the odd note she struck for the purpose of negotiation.
Some in Britain think it will gain leverage from the EU's larger problems, especially the euro. But these look more like reasons for the EU to make a clean break.
Britain's problem is that the EU now holds all the cards. Britain has resolved to leave and May has made it clear nothing in the negotiations will change that.
"No deal would be better than a bad deal," she has said. No deal may be the EU's preference, too. It is hard to see why it will not simply accept Britain's decision and say, "Just pay your dues and go."