NEWS that the Brexit stand-off could be nearing a conclusion will come as a huge sigh of relief to those sick to the back teeth of the entire palaver.

It has been more than 1,200 days since the referendum and the damage this endless debate has caused to the nation’s reputation and psychology should not be underestimated.

Ironically, even with a deal, it could appear that no side will end up happy and will remain full of rancour at the outcome.

It is difficult to see how our country can ever be reconciled, having been divided in to two camps forever - three if you count the ‘don’t cares’.

Don’t break out the champagne just yet, as it would be wildly premature to assume that we are out of the woods.

Parliament still has to have its say and if previous deals are anything to go by, there’s every chance this arrangement could be torpedoed too.

Either that or an amendment tagged on to it that will either prove deeply unpopular, or hugely attractive, depending on which side of the fence you stand.

But one thing is clear. The public has had its fill, businesses are desperate for certainty, EU nationals need to know where they stand. and the UK Government has stalled to become a one-issue operation.

Whatever the outcome, this issue needs to be put to bed once and for all.