Ever since the hours after the referendum result was confirmed, I have made the case for compromise and moderation in how we take forward the UK’s departure from the EU.

I have made that case publicly in the media, and privately with colleagues, even when some of the compromises made left me with a sense of real disquiet.

That includes reluctant acceptance of a departure payment, and also of the proposal that if all other solutions fail on the Irish border, efforts will be made to maintain alignment with EU rules on key matters relating economic cooperation between north and south on the island of Ireland.

I have taken this approach because I recognise how important it is to listen to the views of people who voted remain as well as those who voted to leave.

In taking forward the biggest decision made in this country for decades, we need try to bring people together and bridge the divisions...