No subject better demonstrates the failure of Britain’s so-called political leaders than immigration. We had the EU referendum because David Cameron pandered to Ukip-curious Tories trading on anti-immigration nastiness instead of having an honest conversation with voters. He lost because Remain ran scared of Leave’s dishonesty on immigration. We’re leaving the single market and harming our economy because Theresa May thinks voters’ paramount requirement on Brexit is an end to free movement.

The lack of courage is bad enough but the dishonesty is worse. Most politicians know immigration is an economic necessity; many see it as a social boon too. Few say so. Most kowtow to what they imagine public opinion to be, at least rhetorically.

Tories pretend they’d like to get net immigration below