• IN the run-up to the EU referendum, the argument that Brexit would weaken Britain’s standing in the world cut little ice. People didn’t get the argument that it would make us more beholden to foreign powers whose outlook we don’t share.

Back then, there wasn’t an instantly telling example to hand. But now there is. Donald Trump’s track record marks him out as the first to spot a sucker for an urgent trade deal when he sees one. Step forward, UK.

One referendum argument that people did listen to was that Brexit would be good for the NHS. How is that going to play out now? US firms will be itching for freer access to our large and creaking healthcare market. Who believes that running things their way will improve the health service?

And is this the sovereignty people backed Brexit for? The pity is that our MPs in Islington are voting to allow it all to go ahead.

P LAIDLAW
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