In that context, it is valid to ask why it is Mr Cameron travelling to European capitals, cap in hand. Surely those leaders who want and, crucially, need Britain to remain in the union should be heading to London to explain what they can offer British voters to dissuade them from heading for the exit door Mr Cameron has kindly opened. The Prime Minister habitually stops short of saying explicitly that he is open to voting for us to leave. But his attitude matters less than that of the British people. Both he and – especially – his European counterparts should be in no doubt that they are quite willing to consider life outside the EU.