“Australian Brexit” used to be an upbeat euphemism for a “no deal” Brexit outcome. Now, Australia promises a far more profound insight into the true nature of Brexit.

The negotiations which will set our relationship with our closest neighbours for the next generation are being rushed in a reckless game of chicken.

The decisions made in these trade talks will define the health of the UK’s population as well as the country’s environment and economy for years to come.

Chlorinated chicken is just the start. The government intends to rip up food standards, public services and public protections.

The EU has opposed brutal animal welfare and rampant tech monopolies. Post-Brexit Britain will be exposed to both.

Crashing out of the EU would not end uncertainty and would be a dark day for agriculture and food in Britain.

Britain should not be forced to accept lower US food standards. But this is only a small part of the harm done by globalisation. What’s wrong with chlorinated chicken? It’s not as if chlorine is absent from our lives: we drink it in our tapwater every day. Surely it’s a small price to pay for the trade deal with the US that the British government seeks?