For the more realistic followers of the Brexit process today was inevitable. Others who had hoped that reasonableness might yet prevail were left disappointed.

It was announced by the government that the UK will no longer participate in the European Arrest Warrant as part of its long-term agreement with the EU post-Brexit. This programme is specifically designed to facilitate the fast-tracking of criminals and terrorists across borders and is frequently used by the police. It represents exactly the sort of co-operation that the Union is founded upon.

By removing ourselves from this the UK can not only expect to have a harder time bringing wrongdoers to justice but can also expect to become something of a safe haven for European criminals who are seeking to avoid prosecution in their own country. At a time when the terrorism threat level is still defined as ‘substantial’ this move is wholly irresponsible.

In many ways though it is symptomatic of the preparations for Brexit as a whole: not fully-formed and utterly self-destructive. Instead of trying to negotiate a settlement that will allow for a continuing productive relationship with our European counterparts the government aims to isolate Britain as far as possible in pursuit of some political point.