I came across A C Grayling because of his alignment with the so called “New Atheists”. He’s often referred to as the “Fifth Horseman of New Atheism,” and I think he is eminently worthy of that title (the other four horsemen are Daniel Dennett, Christopher Hitchens, Richard Dawkins and Sam Harris), but I have to say that I’ve lost a little bit of respect for Grayling since finding out just how keen he is on “fighting Brexit”.

Before I read – in The New European – Grayling’s “ultimate guide to defeating Brexit (and why the EU is worth fighting for),” I was expecting my opposition to such a movement to at least be shaken. After all, Grayling’s is a much more highly developed intellect than my own.

But I was disappointed. Grayling’s article is a collection of unoriginal, illogical points presented as though they were common sense. Indeed, at one point he states that there’s “no mandate for Brexit” and then follows up this argument by stating that “so much is mere common sense.” I don’t think there could be a clearer indication of the fact that Grayling hasn’t lent enough thought to the other side than this blunt admission that he thinks the opposite side of the case is not worth even thinking about (because his side is clearly, unambiguously correct).

Grayling’s stance seems to be one of absolute faith in the EU. Yes, he mentions that there are “flaws and problems yet to be resolved”, but at no point does he stop to consider whether or not the whole project itself is worthwhile. He accepts without qualification the right of the EU to “put into practice the ideals of unity, peace and prosperity” that he believes it stands for.

He is an evangelist rather than a sceptic when it comes to the EU, and it’s such a shame to see.