I’VE written previously how I expected that the Brexit deadline of March 2019 would be missed, and as each day passes that now looks inevitable.

On Monday, Downing Street said the UK was ready to “intensify” Brexit talks, coming in light of chief EU negotiator, Michel Barnier, saying last week that there had been no decisive progress on any of the main issues.

A reminder these include the cost of the final divorce bill, what Britain’s position will be with the single market, and other areas such as security and the environment.

We have had a phony debate so far, finally we have reached the stage of real negotiations.

Strangely, though, as someone who was a remainer a year ago, I’m feeling a lot more optimistic now we have reached this point.

In fact, I’d go as far as saying if there was a referendum tomorrow I would vote differently, and vote to leave.

The reason I voted remain last year was because the debate was hijacked by self publicists such as Nigel Farage, who seemingly concentrated solely on immigration.

This rhetoric caused issues - for example look at the 96 per cent drop of nurses from the EU coming here, many assuming they aren’t welcome when we need them.

Crucially, the world of politics has changed and we had an election in the spring in which I’d argue hard-Brexit was rejected by voters.

What should have been stressed last year is that leaving the European Union has its advantages - it is an opportunity to shape a democratic country not ruled in an unaccountable way, and by a body working for it’s own self-interest and not European citizens.

The Brexit I have always looked for is not a foreigner-bashing one - which the majority of the time the EU debate felt like it became - it is all about democracy.

Being freed from the chains of the EU body, provides new opportunities. We will also still be able to work with our EU partners - both ‘sides’ want that,

These were key arguments many on the leave side were not making, while they were too busy sticking ‘£350 million a week for the NHS’ pledges on buses.

However you voted last year the reality is we are leaving. We need to make it work - and not have it end up being an opportunity missed.