In Diplomatic speak, the size of the "welcome mat" is often in inverse proportion to the actual affection and regard between the parties. I'd be worried, if I were British, about how calm and kind and relaxed all those European leaders are about the prospect of the UK leaving - "sincere regret", "respecting democracy", "ongoing mutual cooperation"... yadayadayada.

They just might be "waiting in the long grass" for when the British are at their most vulnerable. Certainly there will be no "special relationship" with our "British Friends".

On the Brexiteer side, talk about "our European friends" can be translated roughly as meaning "we hope you die, and  if we have any say in the matter, you certainly will".

Index of Frank's Diaries