It is tempting to restrict this post – attempting to explain where Theresa May’s latest diplomatic disaster leaves us all – to a snappy two word description, the first being “completely” and the other a six letter word beginning with “f”.

I’ll keep it not as short as that, though still short. The argument with Juncker and the developments in Brussels were so humiliating for Britain that it is worth breaking down the implications quickly. They provided May nothing of substance.

1.  May’s attempt to get “legally binding” assurances on the backstop have failed, miserably. This was – remember, 48 hours ago – the great gambit that saved her leadership and was supposed to be the (incredible) solution to the UK’s negotiating difficulties. Now gone, turned to dust.