On Monday, the EU27’s finalised guidelines for the transition deal negotiations are to be published. Talks can then finally begin on our future relationship with the EU and the path to our departure.

Things are moving forward, one might think. Yet, much like the wretched Tantalus, just as we reach out, the luscious fruit escapes our grasp and the pool of sweet water recedes. I can’t but wonder whether we have been condemned to an eternity of Brexit being just out of reach, and I’m not alone, judging by the restlessness beginning to manifest itself among Brexiteers on the backbenches.

On Saturday, the Telegraph reported that British officials are in discussions with Brussels about extending the Brexit transition period to almost three years. The Government may have denied this, and according to the EU’s draft negotiation guidelines, the European Commission may also have recommended that a...