TO fight like lions and lose, but retain your integrity, is an honourable estate.
The England football team have done just that, and they can return home with their heads held high.
I am not so sure we politicians are in the same place, with a watered-down Brexit plan now being promoted by the Government after a tumultuous week at Westminster.
The White Paper claims to deliver control of our borders, laws and money.
Seven ministers, two of them senior, clearly do not agree, nor do many of my colleagues.
The issues are complicated but, in essence, we would remain law-takers, not law-makers.
Shameless exploitation of the border between the Republic and Northern Ireland could see us remaining in the EU unless an agreement is reached to, in effect retain the status quo.
On this, and other matters, we have sadly capitulated, seemingly lacking any self-belief and resolve.
I have no doubt that this latest proposal will, in time, be exposed for the sham it is.
With many compromises already made to the EU, more will be demanded, and given, before agreement is reached.
Let’s not forget the implementation period, which will already bind us to the EU for a further 21 months after March next year.
Meanwhile, the anger across the country continues to grow as people feel duped.
I, and many colleagues in the House, hope that our efforts to stick to our word, and the growing clamour of those who trusted the outcome of the referendum, will force a rethink before it’s too late.
* Congratulations to the England football team, who’ve reminded us how a nation can come together.