Parliament is suspended until October 14, pending the legal challenge to this decision. A continued suspension would at least result in a welcome break from Brexit hostilities.

I’m hoping that the next few weeks might be like Christmas Day in the trenches.

Let’s call a temporary truce. Let Paul McCartney’s Pipes of Peace play in pubs and shops.

In the trenches, soldiers crossed enemy lines to show each other photographs of loved ones. We could do something similar on our high streets. Brexiteers could offer Remainers photos of Boris Johnson. Remainers should take this gesture in the right spirit.

“Oh, he looks lovely! He’s got very... lively hair.”

Remainers could show Brexiteers photos of the Liberal Democrat leader, if they know who she is. And those who have no idea where they stand on the issue can show snaps of Jeremy Corbyn.

Perhaps people on both sides of the debate should stop spending hours arguing with strangers on Facebook.

That can’t be healthy. Go for a walk, and argue with them in person instead.

Walking is usually a good way to get away from politics. But do it these days and you’ll almost certainly bump into Rory Stewart.

Try birdwatching. That’s a nice relaxing activity. Unless you disagree with a fellow twitcher about the status of any European migrants that might be spotted.

Once you’ve noted down their details, should you pass them on to the Border Force?

I know how highly-charged the political world is. In last week’s column my references to Jacob Rees-Mogg elicited lively criticism from some users of our Facebook page.

‘What a load of utter drivel’ was one of the more reasonable comments. Until then I didn’t realise my mother had a Facebook account.

Let’s try and see beyond our views on the European Union and look for common ground. What about the things we can all agree on? I mean, we all like Marmite, don’t we?

Bad example.

Maybe as a child I spent too much time watching Mr and Mrs. I still remember the message from Derek Batey which ended every episode: “Be nice to each other!”

But times have changed. A 2019 version of the programme would be very different.

“Ok, Sandra. You disagree with Martin’s views on Brexit. Do you, a) Decide not to discuss the issue because it gets you both hot under the collar; b) Have an in-depth discussion to understand each other’s point of view; or c) Call him a traitor and say he should be hanged for treason?”