The question posed does of course have a very short answer – the UK is leaving the EU on that date because a majority of voters in the Brexit referendum of June 2016 backed the Leave campaign. Theresa May triggered Article 50 in March of last year before she had even conceived of her snap general election, never mind called it.

We look at why the seemingly inauspicious date of March 29 2019  was chosen, what problems it has caused, and how it could become an issue as the date looms larger. Given that she is now unable to move certain ministers due to potential rebellion, it is easy to forget how powerful Mrs May appeared this time last year.

However, it is hard to understate the outcry if, for whatever reason, the UK delays their date of departure from the EU. If Theresa May even hints at such a move, there will be a cabinet revolt, a furious media, and quite possibly a leadership challenge, within a matter of days, if not hours.

The fishing row shows the UK Government would rather remain part of EU institutions than delay Article 50. For better or worse, the UK will leave the EU a year today, no matter the consequences.