Members of Parliament who are advocating a free vote over the future direction of the Brexit negotiations are, consciously or unconsciously, making the case for something more radical. The logical extension of their position is a collapse of the rigid two-party dominance of the House of Commons, which it is the whips’ job to enforce. And that could ultimately mean the emergence of a third national party alongside the other two, to occupy the centre ground of British politics.

Robert Shrimsley, editorial director of the Financial Times, wrote this week that, “It is Britain’s misfortune that at its time of need it has been blessed with two of the most inflexible, small-minded, partisan and inept figures ever to assume the mantle of leadership in the nation’s two major parties.” In the next two months that misfortune could prove catastrophic for the national interest. Party loyalties would be shot asunder by the political upheaval that would follow. And out of the dust would emerge – what?