Fishing rows notwithstanding, much of Europe looks on at the UK’s plight with astonishment – and even, still, sympathy.

John le Carré, the novelist behind spy thrillers such as Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy and The Night Manager, claimed Irish citizenship just before he died, his son has revealed.

JOHN LE CARRÉ, the novelist, appeared to be the quintessential Englishman - but his son Nicholas has revealed his father died an Irishman, both legally and emotionally.

This week the novelist received the Olof Palme prize for achievement in the spirit of the assassinated Swedish statesman. He reflects on how a lack of leadership today has allowed us to ‘sleepwalk’ into Brexit.

'It seems to us that the same question is facing every industry and every person in the UK: what will you choose to lose?' / Some of the UK’s most respected writers have signed a letter in The Guardian urging voters taking part in the European elections to support the EU.