EVERY TUESDAY

business organisations. The CBI, Institute of Directors, British Chambers of Commerce, Federation of Small Businesses and manufacturers’ body EEF all urged a transition period for the sake of stability and jobs.

That should have been a loud wake-up calls for the Government. These are not partisan lobbyists trying to shout down opposing viewpoints, but the bodies representing the employers of millions of workers which seek to keep them in jobs.

Such authoritative voices should have been listened to. But there is no evidence that happened. Instead, as the days tick away towards Brexit, there is only paralysis within the Government aggravated by what can only be seen as a kind of political death wish within certain factions, seemingly more intent on moulding the Conservatives in their own image than remaining in power.