//Even people that say they want 'no deal' then say it's because we can then go and make other deals with other countries etc.'//
Yes Archie. That's because the deals that people say they'd like to see post-Brexit are simply trade deals. The "deal" that the EU is trying to foist upon the UK is not. It is a political accord, very similar in nature to EU membership. Trade deals do not involve freedom of movement between the participant nations, they do not involve vast sums of money being transferred for the privilege of "free" trading, they do not involve the incorporation of social, environmental and labour laws enforced by one country on the other. The Withdrawal deal is simply a list of demands being made by the EU in return for not causing us too much trouble when we leave. A trade deal between us comes later (if at all) and many of the provisions of the withdrawal agreement and the accompanying "political declaration" lay the groundwork for that deal, which will involve the UK remaining tied to the EU for more than simple trade. Furthermore, much of the Withdrawal Agreement - including the infamous Irish "backstop" - cannot be ended until a trade agreement is completed.