That is why those who have done their homework (including those businesses which would be most directly affected) have come to realise that the only interim arrangement that could conceivably work is that “soft Brexit” option whereby, on leaving the EU, we remain in the wider European Economic Area (EEA), where we are now, and apply to join the two richest countries per capita in Europe, Norway and Switzerland, in the European Free Trade Area (Efta).

This alone would enable us to continue trading with the single market on similar terms as we do now, without any of that catastrophic disruption that would be created by either of the first two options. It would even give us some limited power, under the EEA Agreement, to control immigration from the rest of the EU. Furthermore, it would give us time to discuss all those other problems which need to be sorted out in just two years, such as what to do about agriculture, fisheries, our relationship with the EU’s 27 agencies, and dozens more.