Our survey. Eight in ten party members oppose membership of a customs union with the EU

The only question was how large the majority against joining a customs union replicating the EU Customs Union would be.

In the event, it is almost eight to one (as readers can see).

We haven’t tested for variants – such as a Turkey-style customs union – but there can be little doubt that the majority against them would also be substantial.

A customs union is not, of course, a customs arrangement: that’s to say, a deal whereby the UK would not be bound by the EU’s Common External tariff.

It will be said that many of our respondents won’t know the difference – and, indeed, some of the latter may not understand the technical terms.

But most will have grasped a point none the less: they want to take back control of our trade policy.