The long goodbye to the EU comes up at 11.pm today, after four years of vague preparation and uncertainty. A long-term display to the rest of the world that we don't have a great deal of strength in depth in decisive politicians, who never cease from points scoring, no matter how critical the cause. We are into the "what now" period, which will be more or less same old same old, until the end of the year when the full effects of our divorce kick in.

  As a remainer, with a strong view when the initial vote came in that chaos was just around the corner, I underestimated just how much was coming and I hope it all works out OK. However, I can't help the feeling that the EU is not going to give us an easy ride in all departments, if only to stop other countries jumping ship. Not to worry though we have a special relationship with the US and I am sure he will be there with an encouraging Tweet when we need it and loads of dangling "trade carrots".

Noting that the first two cases of Coronavirus in the UK have also occurred today, reinforces my view that this is not a day to get the cheese and pineapple out.