For two years, we have done our utmost to negotiate in good faith with the European Union. As Prime Minister I have moved as far towards its demands as I could; perhaps too far. We offered to obey an EU rulebook on goods and food, over which we would have no control. We offered £40 billion in membership fees for a club of which we would no longer be a member. At each stage, it was deemed not enough. Now, with just six months to go, we are being given only two options: surrender, or instead have confidence in Britain’s ability to thrive under world trade rules. Mr Speaker, I have that confidence. And I believe today’s vote will show that this House has it too."

The above speech is a fantasy, but it’s one that several Brexiteers are indulging in. After the shock of Chequers, they are beginning to see the advantages of the mess they find themselves in. If the EU demands still more concessions – as is highly likely – the Prime Minister would be stuck. If she gives anything more away, her party will depose her. If the EU over-reaches then her only viable option may be to declare that she’s withdrawing from talks and pursuing a clean Brexit – the one she originally promised to voters. There would be high drama and frayed nerves, certainly more traffic jams in Kent. But it could save her leadership and, perhaps, her party.