TWO years after the referendum, after super-human efforts, our top team of negotiators have finally got a couple of dozen ministers to agree on our proposals for Brexit. Or so I thought.

Notwithstanding resignations form the government, what’s left of the cabinet have agreed on proposals for leaving the EU and our future relationship. Now all we have to do is get the governing party to agree, Parliament to agree and then persuade the EU that this is the best way forward for both our interests.

This is not our finest hour. The proposals, in so far as they relate to manufactured goods, will secure our manufacturing industry and over 2 million jobs. That is good for Wyre Forest where we have many automotive supply chain manufacturers and this is something that I will agree with. That said, I do completely understand why more enthusiastic Brexiteers are angry.

In any technical analysis of what has been agreed by the cabinet, the red lines and manifesto commitments have been met. Out of the single market, the customs union, the common agricultural and fisheries agreements, jurisdiction of the ECJ. An end to free movement and we are at liberty to do our own trade deals. But the Brexiteers argue that membership of a free trade zone, although technically allowing us to make our own laws with regards regulations, in reality does not let us make our own decisions without potential breakdown of agreements. This would result in friction at borders and a hard border in Northern Ireland. I can live with this, but many can’t.

What I can’t live with is ignoring services. Four fifths of economy depends on the service sector. We have a trade surplus with the EU on services and we need clarity on how we will get access to the single market on services.

This is not just about bankers, or management consultants. Rolls Royce, manufacturers of the world’s best aero and maritime engines, sells their product at a discount to the unit value of an engine, but make up that loss in a servicing contract with the owner. In effect, they are selling power by the hour. They may look like a manufacturer but what they do can be classified as a service. That is at risk.

We’re getting there, but no one is happy yet. And we still have get this stuff through the EU negotiating process.