LATER this month is the significant date of March 29.

Political geeks will instantly know what that date is, but for those unaware it marks one year until Britain is due to leave the European Union.

I have always been of the opinion that date will be pushed back, as I felt it will be impossible for everything to be completed before the 11pm deadline that day.

But I've changed my mind on that as it looks likely to happen, even if it means through a much discussed no deal.

I recently reported on the visit of the anti-Brexit bus to Worcester. The crowdfunded 'Is it Worth It' bus is spreading the message, campaigners say, that Brexit will cost 10 times the £200m a week we pay Brussels.

I have sympathy with their views, as I have said in this column before I voted remain in the referendum.

However I have also said I now favour the leave side. 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.

There is another principle here too, and that is protecting our democracy. If you hold a vote and the British public vote 52 per cent to 48 per cent, the government should listen to that. Imagine for a moment what would have happened if the vote had gone the other way. Those staunch remainers, right now arguing for another referendum, would be the ones saying that the vote was a once-in-a-generation event and that the issue had been put to bed.

The most important thing now is ensuring the best possible Brexit, and certainly not the foreigner-bashing, hard Brexit some have pushed for.

The outcome of negotiations will determine Britain's future for years to come. Jobs are dependant on its success.

However, there is no disputing that Prime Minister Theresa May, tasked with overseeing this historic process, is damaged right now and has found it difficult to bring a party, split between remainers and hard Brexiters, together on the issues. Her 43 minute speech on Friday, which some hoped would make a big difference, was pragmatic and mainly said 'let's find a way to reach a deal with the EU'.

At some point in the coming year we will reach the crunch point, and discover if that really is achievable.