Davis today:I have been saying for months that it is only when the UK not only has a viable walk-away option but the EU become clear that there exists the political will to use it, that the EU will change their arrogant stance. I think that they are starting that journey.
In an interview with the Sunday Times, Mr Davis accused Eurocrats of having 'axes to grind' and suggested other member states were posturing.
He insisted the UK was prepared to walk out if the other 27 member states did not moderate their demands.
'We don't need to just look like we can walk away, we need to be able to walk away. Under the circumstances, if that was necessary, we would be in a position to do it.'
So, it seems that the government holds the same view as I have been putting forward on the UK's need for having a viable walk-away option to temper the excesses of the EU demands. I am certainly not suggesting that makes me 'clever' - you don't not need to be clever to understand this simple fact - just not plain stupid.
Just as well really as the EU are on the brink of finalising their settlement demand:
The divorce demand is now expected to include money they claim is still owed by Britain from the period 2007 to 2013.
There could also be pressure for the UK to hand every EU citizen who has lived in the UK full rights to live and work here and claim benefits.
But Mr Davis rejected that idea out of hand, saying: 'How on earth would you manage such an exercise?'