It has long been noted that two of the Conservative Party’s great strengths have been the loyalty of its members and its pragmatic approach to policy challenges.

But that does not mean that there have not been occasions when intense disagreement has not undermined our ability to deliver credible policies and sound government. Leaving aside the Party’s split over the repeal of the Corn Laws in the 19th century, the consequences of a significant group of MPs falling out with their colleagues over the Maastricht Treaty in the early 1990’s left a legacy of dysfunction that contributed directly to the thirteen years of Labour Government after 1997.

Now it is Brexit which threatens us again with the same fate. It is already paralysing Government and preventing other important areas of policy getting proper attention. It reduces our reputation for quiet effectiveness in delivering positive change for our country.

As Conservative parliamentarians we urgently need to find a way forward for resolving Brexit in a manner that does not ignore the referendum result of 2016, but recognises that in the two years since, our understanding of the likely consequences of Brexit and of the options available for it have grown and that there is no public consensus whatsoever on what course of action should be taken. Simply repeating deeply held views in public statements does not resolve the issue.