Michel Barnier rarely smiles, at any rate when he’s having to talk about Brexit. From time to time, though, you get a strange sense that he’s enjoying himself – in a dark, gloating kind of way. Read, for example, the remarks he made today, during his brief visit of 10 Downing Street.

“In a very short time,” said the EU’s chief negotiator, “we are to advance on three fronts... Let me recall that the UK Government decided on the UK date of withdrawal: the 29th of March, 2019. It was its sovereign decision…”

His implication was clear: time is running out, and it’s Theresa May’s fault. Essentially, his remarks appeared to be a polite way of saying: “Look, these talks are miles behind schedule. But don’t blame me. Maybe we could have had more time to negotiate, if your Prime Minister hadn’t wasted two months holding a general election. Remind me: how did that turn out for her, again?”

Monsieur...