It is incredible, it is infuriating, it is disgraceful that it should now be three whole years since the EU referendum result; and I can tell that the whole country is positively aching for us to get it done. You can feel the impatience building like a giant thunderstorm on a hot June day.

I know that if we fail again, we face a democratic explosion and a deluge in which both major parties may be swept away. And so, my friends, it is absolutely vital that we keep our eyes on the prize. It has been a long and parching march, but the oasis is finally in sight. We are so nearly there.