No deal, no money

MEANWHILE, could it be that we are inching slowly towards a Brexit trade deal? Irish premier Leo Varadkar – previously so pessimistic about the progress of negotiations – now says an agreement could be reached ‘within two weeks’.

And arch-Eurosceptic minister Liam Fox gave tacit support to the Chequers plan by saying any flaws could be ‘revised later’.

Of course, the devil will be in the detail and there are many hurdles to negotiate yet. In the meantime, Theresa May should refuse to hand over any of the £39billion divorce bill until a comprehensive agreement is reached. Brussels is desperate to get its hands on this huge tranche of cash. It remains our trump card.