The Conservative part of the coalition is in trouble with its Lib Dem partners for posters advising illegal immigrants to leave the country and offering helpful advice on how to do so easily.

But we know that immigration weighs heavily in the public consciousness.

Politicians must place the people’s priorities above their own predilections or parliament will become a talking shop: a sort of deluxe debating society. The European Union likes to spend time and your cash accruing the appurtenances of statehood.

For example, you pay to keep 140 fully booted and spurred EU embassies all around the world generously staffed with accredited ambassadors and attendant bureaucrats.

Be sure, gentle reader, this lot will be drawing rather more than most of us.

What on earth does this so-called European External Action Service actually do?

Well, not represent nation states or its citizens, functions we undertake ourselves. I suspect Euro-ambassadors busy themselves promoting the institutions of the EU – more self-service than service.

In my first few months as a minister I’ve been to nearly 20 countries, always making a point of asking my interlocutors what they make of the EU mission to their country.

As a rule I get indifference, sometimes benign amusement. Truth is, these Brussels legations are an insidious part of the EU vanity project alongside flags, anthems and nascent army.

Being ex-Navy I’ve a penchant for flags, ensigns, bunting and the like. Sadly, our embassies abroad have taken to flying the EU duster alongside the Union Flag. This, apparently, is to humour our neighbours. Well, I’ll accept that, if grudgingly and with bad grace.

But, noting the EU banner outside one of our missions was distinctly ragged, I expressed the hope that the ambassador would not be hurrying to thumb out austerity cash for a replacement.