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Option three is pragmatic and careful (quite Tory, really): if major changes emerge in Europe in the next five years that shift the balance of power, then a referendum comes on to the agenda. If not, it doesn’t. That is the course that the party leadership has taken, and quite right they are, too.

"There is absolutely no room for anyone to trade on their ministerial office. People come into politics ‑ whether Labour, Tory or Lib Dem – because of what they want to do for the country. And I believe that's true for MPs across all parties, I don't think this is a partisan point."Anything which sullies that reputation or gets in the way of that public service is completely inimical. I think it's right that we have tightened up the rules already ... but the Labour manifesto is going to say more about the need for a statutory register of the lobbying industry, because there is absolutely no room for the sort of innuendo or promises that seem to have been floated in this case."

But the poll also reveals deep disenchantment with the overall political process. Only 4 per cent of voters think that the parties are being totally honest with voters over their tax plans and only 6 per cent think they are being honest about cutting the deficit. Most worryingly for David Cameron as he tries to regain the lead enjoyed by the Conservatives two years ago, more voters are now hoping for a hung Parliament than either a Tory or Labour victory. A senior Tory told The Times: “This is a phoney war right now, but that’s not because of any lack of fighting. It’s because they think we’re all fakes.”

Of course, when such public groundswell starts to spread, countries such as Britain should be among the first to offer encouragement and practical support. We should always use our diplomatic channels to exert pressure in favour of reform and democracy.