Finding the right moment to write this article can be tricky. Last week shows things are moving so quickly that even writing it at the last minute means that it is out of date by the time The Shuttle hits people’s doormats later in the week.

After the cancellation of the meaningful vote, and the sudden vote of no confidence in the PM that was resolved, in her favour, within 13 hours, parliament is in as much a deadlock as ever.

People are suggesting ways to resolve this.

One is to have a free vote by MPs on their opinions.

Should we do Norway Plus (the EEA model on steroids)? No deal? Managed hard deal? Unmanaged hard deal? Remain? Delay Article 50? The PM’s deal? Or should we have a second referendum?

All of these options have their supporters but none have a majority in parliament.

I’m not sure where a free vote on the options would take us.

Similarly, there is the option of parliament giving up and going back for a second referendum. We could ask these questions of the people but would that solve the problems?

Firstly, any vote would have to be on outcomes that are possible.

Asking parliament or the country if they, for example, like Norway Plus cannot be ruled in as Norway has already said it would not support the UK joining the EEA.

Only after we have negotiated an entry to EEA would it be possible to have a vote and that would take months to organise. But why would the EEA agree to anything, unsure whether we would want it anyway?

Similarly, a second referendum is fraught with difficulties. First, Parliament must complete an act to allow it, then the Electoral Commission would need to test the questions – a minimum of five months work.

Testing the question would be tricky. Many would insist remain is on the ballot paper and then a subsequent, if leave won, question might be May’s deal or no deal.

But if your first option was May’s deal, but second option remain, how would the vote work, with such a dilemma facing voters?

The only thing certain (well, maybe 70 per cent certain) is that we break up for Christmas this week. Perhaps a bit of festive cheer might bring people to their senses, but I am not that hopeful. Happy Christmas everyone.