Here’s the choice that faces us now: the fundamental one that remains after last night’s Commons drama. Some of you will be completely comfortable with it. But for many of you, I warn you, it’s quite grisly.

Let’s start with this. People who are comfortable with a no-deal Brexit, and realise that I am not, often get in touch to make what they regard as the prince of points. The referendum just asked if we wanted to leave or remain — there wasn’t anything else on the ballot paper. I can tell from their tone that they think they’ve landed a great clunking fist of an argument.

My reaction is one of bemusement. Can’t they see that the force of their argument is precisely