If I were a waiter in a restaurant, I’d hate to take an order from Theresa May.

“Well, Prime Minister, what can I get for you?”

“I’m very clear about this. I want to eat dinner.”

“I’m delighted to hear it, Prime Minister. What exactly would you like to eat?”

“As I’ve said in many other restaurants, I want to begin with the starter. A starter that arrives at the start of the meal. Not in the middle, and most certainly not at the end. And I make no apology for that.”

“Of course, Prime Minister. But if it isn’t too intrusive a question, which starter would you like?”

“I’ve given my answer to that, but to be absolutely clear, I repeat: I want to begin with the starter. After that, I would like to have a main course, and then finally, to conclude the meal, pudding. That’s the kind of meal I’m looking for, and I’m confident that this restaurant can deliver it.”

“I would certainly hope so, Prime Minister, but before we embark on that challenge, would you be able to tell me – with reference to the menu situated directly in front of you – precisely which starter, main and pudding you wish to have?”

“Look, I really don’t think I can be any clearer than I have already, but, for the avoidance of doubt: I want to eat dinner.”