I understood him to say that at a moment of great Crisis in the Union with which he is particularly concerned they were able to secure the attendance of only some 39 per cent, of the enrolled members of the union.

But at the same time, behind the whole thing lies the Crisis in the Union of South Africa.

Briefly, the reports have talked about the Crisis in the Union, our relations with Europe, devolution in Scotland and England, the role of this Parliament, improving the legislative process, the role of the second Chamber - a quiet moment in the Queen's Speech, I noticed - and the need, as many colleagues have said, for a proper constitutional convention that goes beyond the bubble to bring people from outside Parliament alongside on how we can recreate a new democracy within the Union.