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Did anybody, Brexiteers or remainers really believe that the process of leaving the EU (or staying in it) was going to be a cosy and smooth process? Do those wishing to leave really imagine that we can just by magic bring back a land of hope and glory were 'we' decide everythibg for Britain's future. Do they actually belive that the referendum result handed 'power to the people'?

The triggering of Art 50 will not make everything fine and dandy, it will not lead to a simplistic path to 'independence' and it will most certainly not mean that 'we' make the decsions that will affact the British economy and politics in the future.

It is absolutely correct that we must respect the result of the referendum and leave the EU. It is absolutely correct that the British government must get the best deal for the UK but it is patently ridiculous to suggest that like some petulant child Britain is going to go round demanding and getting everything it wants. Things are going to be rough for years to come, its going to be a hard ride, get used to it.

The judges did a magnificent job on Thursday. They demonstrated the workings of a political system that is the envy of the world, a legal/political system that incorporates checks and balances to prevent the abuse of absolute power. Anyone who objects to our excellent legal and political constitutional democracy can always go and live elsewhere and hopefully take David Davies with them.

We do need to trigger Art 50 as soon as possible, so much is obvious. The countries of the EU are getting impatient and if we are going to get a good deal we are ill advised to mess them about. We need to start leaving now but without triumphalism, jeering or the indignance of the petty little Englander.

It's going to be rough for the foreseeable future and we need all the friends we can keep.