This article was originally published on October 1, 2016.

Brexit most definitely means Brexit. Theresa May will prove that on Sunday at the Tory conference in Birmingham by announcing that the Government intends to repeal the European Communities Act 1972 (ECA) via a Great Repeal Bill.

This does not mark the end of our membership of the EU but, rather, is part of the mechanics of withdrawal.

Parliament will have its say, which is as it should be. But if anyone imagines that they can use this process to stop Brexit through the Commons or Lords then that delusion needs to be cast aside. Repeal of the ECA means this is definitely happening. Which, of course, is what the British people voted for.

What a difference a year makes. Twelve months ago, David Cameron addressed conference triumphant after the general election and looking forward to an EU referendum fight that most thought he would win.

Mrs May supported him. Now Mr Cameron is gone and Mrs May inherits the challenge of Brexit. Talk of choosing between a soft or hard version is nonsense; the reality is that the Government will fight for the very best terms possible and what it achieves will be partly shaped by the internal politics of the Continent.