There are an awful lot of experts in how to defend a libel action on here today, aren’t there? #LabourAntisemitism

Of course, having to issue an apology, and pay damages and costs in a settlement is a very unpleasant place to be for a political party. But I’ll tell you a much, much more unpleasant place to be...

That’s in the witness box, in the High Court, facing a skilled QC who is being paid £££s an hour to make you look like a liar, no, not just a liar, an antisemitic liar. Because that is what they will do...

You’ll go in there full of bravado, having been toughened up by a life in the cut and thrust of party politics. Then the QC in the wig will cut you to pieces, ever so politely, but the blood on the floor will be yours and you’ll be left wondering quite how it happened...

Still, it’s grist for the mill for old court reporters like me, so if you will insist on your day in court, don’t let me get in your way. Now, where’s my pen?