Time for Brexit work to begin in earnest

If minds were not already focused on the monumental task ahead, the countdown to Brexit breaching the one year marker must surely act as a sobering reminder of what is ahead.

By this time next year, we will no longer be part of the European Union. What that means remains unclear in all but the most entrenched minds.

The Government’s team of negotiators has just 12 months to resolve the issues, some of them seemingly insurmountable, which continue to dog their progress.

Similarly, those who would achieve a so-called soft Brexit — or stop it altogether — are running out of time to find a means to do so.

Many may have hoped, by this stage, negotiators would be considering dotting Is and crossing Ts. In reality, they are not even on the same page, let alone ready for final flourishes.

The landmark date has brought with it further calls for clarity from farmers, fisherman, businesses and migrants, here and on the Continent.

Vital questions on devolution and internal borders remain unanswered.

As Westminster enters its Easter recess, there will be a period of reflection before frantic work begins.

The time for false claims and wild assertions is over. The high stakes poker game is finished — it is time for both sides to show their hands and make meaningful progress.