BREXIT IS OFF AND THE ELITE WILL HAVE THEIR WAY.

Sadly, I see little likelihood that the UK will ever really leave the European Union.

Yesterday's publication of a number of 'no deal' scenario documents was clearly designed to add to the growing weight of anti-Brexit sentiment, while Chancellor Hammond's later pronouncement about economic gloom for years to come, while wholly in keeping with the Treasury's long term stance, added more fuel to the fire. Today, a representative of the World Trade Organisation, courtesy of the BBC, were able to add yet more fuel by pointing out that reverting to WTO rules also carries complications.

It is clear that the powers that be do not want Brexit to happen, regardless of the expressed wish of the people. Few, if any, of those in power mention anything but the supposed problems, difficulties and economic woes that will flow from Brexit; only voices from the political wilderness talk of the manifold advantages of being free from the bureaucratic nightmare that is the European Union.

As this sorry saga trudges on, one is driven to the conclusion that this is what the political classes intended from day 1. Do as little as possible until near the end, then emphasise the terrible consequences of the people's decision but in a way that seems to imply that the government is actually on their side; crafty, very crafty. Inevitably, the people, fed up with the whole drawn out process, will turn against the notion of Brexit and clamour to leave things alone after all.

When you're up against not just your own government but the whole of the political establishment, what can you do ? The mighty forces of the European Union, World Trade Organisation and International Monetary Fund, as well as the lesser but even more vociferous Confederation of British Industry, Institute of Directors, Institute for Fiscal Studies and many more protectionist organisations are lined up on one side of the argument; what chance does any counter view have ?

If Brexit happens, it will be in name only. The UK will remain tied to the EU and will, in fact, be even more subservient than before as it will have no voice in the decision making processes. We will become a vassal state, going cap in hand to our masters in Brussels who will, by then, be cock-a-hoop over their success and our failure.

How the mighty are fallen.