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For those who propound the argument that a second brexit vote should be deferred until after the UK has left the EU, think on this. The EU is not a door on which the UK just has to push to enter. The door will be locked and the UK cannot, unilaterally, demand that it be unlocked. The EU will decide if it will allow the UK to re-enter and, if so, on what terms. And one of those terms is bound to be acceptance of the Euro!

The sensible move would be for the UK to withdraw its Art. 50 notice, even if the purpose thereof is only to give it breathing space. Parliament can then debate the issue, ad nauseam if necessary, and the matter can be referred back to the people, either by way of a second referendum or a general election. It might even, if a second Art. 50 notice was to be given, say, the day after the first was withdrawn, give the UK another two years to try to engage the EU in further negotiation with a view to securing improved departure terms.

Whatever, there is a final chance to avoid the abyss. But there's only a little over three months in which to do so. The approach might be messy - and it won't command any respect for the UK in the global community - but in circumstances such as the present even this is preferable to the 'no deal' alternative!