So the Americans arranged for the torture of a British resident and held him in Guantánamo Bay without charge, but all this must remain secret because the Yanks have threatened to stop sharing intelligence with Britain. That would directly threaten Britain’s national security, David Miliband has told a judge. So that is it as far as this government is concerned.

David Davis is demanding a Commons statement from the government on the ruling, calling it “a matter of utmost national importance”. Nothing however from Dave, so far, on the subject. When the above scene from Love Actually played in cinemas, the audiences spontaneously applauded and cheered. That apolitical audiences at a romantic comedy respond like that tells us something profound, Britons know in their hearts, across the political spectrum, that successive governments have been too subservient to U.S. interests. Humiliatingly subservient.

Guido is pro-American, don’t misunderstand. There is no doubt that Anglo-American friendship has served the world well for a century. Friendship does not require subservience. Friends speak frankly, friends respect each other for telling the truth to their face. Go on Dave, give the Hugh Grant speech. It would be great for Britain.