I totally agree with that. I have said several times in the past that I don't think referendums and our system of government fit together - countries with a written constitution have been able to define rules for it, but we have an ad-hoc, hope the best approach. Then there is the level of understanding of the voters: even at this stage I suspect few people - leavers or remainers - could reliably say whether particular things relate to the single market or the customs union.

But if Parliament cannot come to agreement we may be forced down that route. I am convinced it would deepen the divisions but that may the price Parliament's failure would make us pay.