Shout it out: UK needs a time out

The English, it is often said, lacking in language skills, have an unfortunate habit of shouting at foreigners when travelling abroad, assuming that by raising their voices and waving their arms, their needs will eventually be understood. This approach rarely works well. It tends to annoy those on the receiving end, while failing to assist mutual comprehension.

Yet this, in sum, is what the hard Tory Brexiters have been reduced to as pressure grows to avoid a national ‘‘no-deal’’ catastrophe when the UK quits the EU next March. What part of the EU’s unchanging position on the principles governing Britain’s future relationship with Europe does Theresa May’s government not understand?

Face facts. The Europeans are not going to back down, and shouting at them, cajoling and wheedling or trying to divide them will not work. The Brexit writing is on the wall for Britain.

As Mark Carney, the Bank of England governor, suggests, a no-deal outcome would have disastrous consequences. All agree: this country, its Brexittainted economy already badly underperforming, simply cannot afford such a gross act of national self-harm.

There is now only one sensible, responsible course of action. May must stop the Brexit clock, call a time out and humbly ask the EU27 for a significant delay beyond March. The country needs a moment to pause, reflect and think afresh.