The main pitch of the campaign for Brexit was the promise that Britain would regain control of its own borders, with regard to immigration and with regard to trade. Outside the European Union, it was said, immigration could be limited and free trade expanded, and “Global Britain” would prosper. Both those goals are now in jeopardy, and the reason is found in one word: China.

China was rapidly becoming the hub of the globalised economy, which has handed the Chinese government leverage over the affairs of other countries, a leverage it is increasingly tempted to use. Meanwhile, its behaviour towards Hong Kong exposes China as a global partner that cannot be trusted. The Chinese ambassador to Britain, Liu Xiaoming, has unwisely warned Britain not to jeopardise its trading relationship with China by reversing the decision to allow the Chinese technology giant Huawei a role in the 5G network that will eventually cover the whole of Britain.