Let’s call Dominic Cummings’ no-deal Brexit threat what it really is: a very English coup

We are staring down the barrel of a developing world-style power grab executed against the will of the people, parliament and two of the four constituent countries of what won’t remain the United Kingdom for long

Almost the minute Jeremy Corbyn was announced as Labour leader in September 2015, the phrase “a very British coup” hurtled into vogue.

Lifted from the Chris Mullin novel, it referred to the prospect of reactionary establishment forces conspiring to destroy the hard-left prime minister who threatened their shadowy dominion.

Almost four years on, the coup attempt in progress hasn’t quite been foreseen. This one isn’t targeted at Corbyn. In fact, he might secretly welcome it.