Tonight, millions of people in Britain will attend fireworks displays and — nominally at least — celebrate the foiling of the 1605 conspiracy to blow up parliament. Politicians might reflect that in our increasingly febrile and uncertain times, that there may be rather less support for the protection of our legislature than they would hope. Of course, only a microscopic minority of vicious fanatics wish any physical harm to come to members of parliament. Recent terrorist attacks on the Palace of Westminster and the horrifying murder of Jo Cox in 2016 have generated sadness, horror and fear in the hearts of the electorate.

However, there is little sign that this translates into the public feeling closer to their political leaders. Anti-establishment sentiments abound — reflected