adam277:
Could argue may is playing hard ball making the EU sweat so she can get the best deal.
Playing hard ball would be to insist on leaving with no deal, and actually doing it. This would put the EU into a subservient position, and likely push them into making concessions to us. Remember, the one who holds all the power in any relationship is the one who cares less about that relationship, and the one who can, and will walk away.