RUNNING out of time, and with obstacles being thrown in the way for the government, a delay to Brexit is looking inevitable.

In theory we are meant to leave the European Union a week on Friday, an event that preparations for originally began two years ago.

Speaker John Bercow's move to block a third vote was another twist, and is a big hurdle placed in the government's path. It is likely they will find a way round this, but it is not going to be easy.

At the time of writing there is growing speculation Prime Minister Theresa May has officially written to the EU to ask for Brexit to be postponed.

Who knows by the time you read this that will be a request which will have been granted, especially as MPs voted in favour of a delay last week.

In truth, there seem no winners with a delay though.

Brexiteers in favour of May's deal will be furious MPs voted down a deal that was effectively looking like it was dead from the moment it suffered the biggest defeat in Parliamentary history.

Brexiteers in favour of no deal haven't got their way, as despite the PM repeating again and again March 29 was the leaving date and the legal position, the goalposts were changed at the last second.

Those in favour of a softer Brexit may still cling to some hope this could yet happen - but with the EU adamant there will be no renegotiation of the withdrawal agreement, a delay seems to do nothing for them either.

And what of remainers, what will they think of a delay? Well some will celebrate it of course purely based on the fact we didn't leave on the date once set in stone.

But as May is showing no signs of budging on a second referendum, and will presumably carry on pursing some form of her deal, the odds of the UK staying still look remote- and they will remain frustrated.

There is also a bigger problem. If, as political commentators believe, Brexit is delayed for years, those who voted leave will say its proof 'the establishment' are blocking something 17.4 million voted in favour of.

Be in no doubt that is damaging for democracy, and could have major long term implications.

I suspect the one thing an extension does do is increase the chances of a general election - could a Brexit delay lead to a poor turn out in that election by disillusioned, angry voters?