The European referendum will shape the character of this country for decades to come. It will decide how Britain’s laws are made and how its borders are monitored. It will signal to the world what sort of welcome we intend to offer to those hoping to live and work here. It will alert financial markets about our faith in an imperfect present or an unknown future. And, whatever the result, it will send a powerful message to Brussels that must be heeded.

“Remain” should be a vote for continued access to the single market and more British influence over it. For most this would be a pragmatic rather than enthusiastic choice, made despite the behaviour of Brussels rather than because of it. “Leave” would be