The referendum transferred from MPs themselves the decision as to whether to remain in or leave the EU and – with it, to regain our freedom to make our own laws.
I have lost count of the number of times I have heard its demise confidently predicted or stridently recommended. Houdini-like, it has so far escaped this awaited fate.
And those that never were, such as 1978, 1991 and 2007. Prime Ministers tend to make the opposite error to that of their predecessors.
“Although the sacrifice was enormous, it was fought in a good cause…to defend the freedom that we enjoy today.”
Our real interests derive from forging understandings and ties with countries which have traditionally considered themselves British in all but name.
“Let us renew the relationship that can lead the world towards the promise of freedom and prosperity marked out by those ordinary citizens 240 years ago.”
The political fallout from this bloody battle of attrition did more to enhance British prospects of victory than the actual fighting.
Subadar Khudadad Khan was one of the 400,000 Muslims who volunteered to serve the Empire during the First World War.
How can the Chancellor keep a straight face while spouting this nonsense?
A modicum of sensitivity at Westminster might have seen the Easter Rising fizzle out. Ireland might have evolved peacefully into a self-governing Commonwealth ally.
The service and sacrifice of a century ago has much to teach us today.
And on 1st July 1916, men who went over the top on that first morning of the battle of the Somme kicked their precious footballs before them.
As our protectors fought for us a century ago, so their descendants defend us today.
A hundred years ago, the Great War had just started and little did the people of that time know how tragic it would be.
The distinctive characteristic of these new Pink Zones is that they will be designed to work from the bottom up – not the top down