THERE continues to be uncertainty around the process for leaving the EU. At the time of writing, the prime minister is seeking an extension of the leaving date in order to secure an orderly exit.

It is far from clear exactly what proposition will emerge, given that cross party discussions have not yet concluded.

These ongoing ambiguities are deeply regrettable but we must not lose sight of how significant a decision this is.

Many people continue to email me with passionate views on how we should proceed and when.

The polarisation between those who are convinced that no deal would be administratively straightforward and those who are desperate to stop the process altogether shows no sign of lessening and their numbers continue to be remarkably evenly balanced.

I see both extreme outcomes as highly undesirable. A “no deal” outcome involves enormous uncertainties and, while the government has done a great deal to prepare, we cannot guarantee the degree of co-operation we will have from our EU neighbours, nor fully predict the economic consequences - most reasoned analyses suggest a negative impact on economic growth in the short term.

Similarly, to say that because the process is incredibly difficult, we should abort it altogether does a disservice to those people who voted to leave in good faith, fully aware of the decision they were making.

I stand ready to make reasonable compromises but I am concerned about compromises that undermine what Brexit was supposed to be – departure from the institutions of the EU.

I have been in Parliament all week. I have taken part in Treasury Questions and I am responding to a debate on pension transfers on Wednesday morning.

Writing this on Tuesday night, I am still waiting for confirmation of whether MPs will be allowed to return to our constituencies on Friday but, whatever happens, I will be back for Amesbury’s Service of Celebration on Saturday.