Historic triumph as the UK prepares to leave EU

ANOTHER nail in the coffin of Project Fear. It is becoming increasingly clear that the constituent countries of the EU as well as the bloc itself are exceedingly keen to strike a trade deal: the Prime Minister will today hail the most wide-ranging agreement in Anglo-French history.

And significantly, while it does not specifically cover Brexit, it does mention a comprehensive agenda, covering everything from space exploration to the Bayeux Tapestry. This is proof, if it were needed, that Brexit is no bar to continuing good relations with our EU counterparts, to say nothing of the fact that we have a range of common interests that should be pursued. It is also a welcome sign that the malevolence and bad feeling that marred so much of the early talks is going away. French President Emmanuel Macron is one of the most important players in today’s EU and if he is willing to adopt a more emollient tone then it is clear that his fellow EU leaders will do likewise.

It is in the interests of absolutely all of us to strike a good agreement. If it really did try to punish Britain for leaving, the EU would be cutting off its nose to spite its own face.

Just one note of warning: Mrs May must not allow herself to be bullied over other matters in the hope of getting a good deal and by that we mean Calais.

Pressure is being put on us to accept more “child” migrants into the country: the last time we did that some looked to be in their 30s. Stay firm, Prime Minister, you’re doing a good job. Don’t let yourself be pushed around.