Beyond the fringe

In the latest effort to undermine Brexit, an “unholy trinity” of Nick Clegg, Ken Clarke and Lord Adonis met yesterday with Michel Barnier, the European Union’s chief negotiator. Each member of the delegation has his own qualities, but domestic influence is not among them: Mr Clegg is no longer in Parliament; Lord Adonis is on the Right of his party and not at one with his leader on policy; and Mr Clarke made history by being the only Conservative MP to vote against triggering Article 50: even such Tory rebels as Anna Soubry didn’t do that.

The three went to Brussels representing the political fringe, and did the EU’S dirty work for it. Many in the EU revel in the impression that Britain made a terrible mistake in last year’s referendum and is now experiencing regret. The polls don’t make a convincing case for that. The economic picture – far, far better than was predicted by the establishment before voting day – hasn’t sparked panic. If there is frustration it surely lies with Europe, which stubbornly refuses to move on from discussing the divorce bill to negotiating a new trading relationship. This sort of meeting only gives the EU an excuse to drag its heels.

Asked if they were there to try to stop Brexit, Mr Clegg answered: “If only it were that easy.”

If only it were that easy to overturn a democratic referendum? And which set of voters empowered Mr Clegg to conduct what resembles a foreign policy exercise that contradicts the mission of the elected government? To charge the unholy trinity with attempted sabotage, however, would be to overstate their importance in Britain. Mr Barnier should know that this act of hubris is more likely to solidify support for Brexit than weaken it.