Brexit? That’s nothing. A trifle. A mere storm in a teacup. In the House of Commons, battle is raging over an even more contentious issue.

Ties.

Yes, a whole week after the Speaker decreed that it was no longer mandatory for a male MP to wear a tie, sartorial traditionalists and modernisers continue to slug it out with blistering bitterness. Today the subject was even raised in, of all places, the monthly Q&A session on international trade.

“You will be delighted to learn, Mr Speaker,” growled Peter Bone – Tory MP for Wellingborough, and standard-bearer for the pro-tie cause – “that British tie manufacturers make millions of pounds in exports. Could the Secretary of State suggest how this House could help promote the wearing of ties, to increase exports?”

Liam Fox, the International Trade Secretary, replied stoutly that he and his ministers would “lead by example”.

“This,” he added proudly, indicating his own tie, “was made in England!”

To prove it, he lifted the tie and pointed at its label, so that anyone in the House who happened to be holding an exceptionally powerful pair of opera glasses could see for themselves. Traditionalists bayed their approval.

John Bercow, the Speaker, bristled at this challenge to his authority. Crossly he hopped to his feet.