If we were dealing with a normal Labour Party, those Tories who value one-nation principles and the unity of these Isles would mostly be relaxed about the outcome of the election.

Some might even think it preferable that such a Labour Party should win. The centre-Left would then 'own' Brexit. Labour would have the excruciating task of negotiating withdrawal from the EU, with sobering effects on the psychology of its electoral supporters and the British Left in general as the months passed.

The distinction between Brexiteer and Remainer would fade away. Battles would rage but chiefly on the terms and methods of restoring British independence. The great rump of the country would be aligned on the same side in defence of the national interest.

Once the honeymoon with Brussels had expired - within days - Labour would discover that overtures of goodwill count for little. Brexit has its own logic. The €100bn bill for reparations would remain. Powerful EU interests are already angling to carve up the putative carcass of the City of London. They do not want a friendly settlement to intrude.

Personally, I favour Labour's pledge to "immediately guarantee existing rights for all EU nationals living in Britain". As the Manifesto states, these people are part of our society and "should not be used as bargaining chips".