On Sunday morning I emailed 38 MEPs, the 14 who represent me as a resident of Flanders, and another 24 of various nationalities and political inclinations who I happen to know professionally or personally.

48 hours on, I have had replies from precisely three – the sole Flemish Green, and two German Greens. Silence from all the other political groups.

Perhaps the day before and the first day of the week of a plenary sitting in Strasbourg is not a fair test. Be that as it may, Mr Staes now has a pretty good chance of getting my vote next year.

Edited to add: Had a reply also from Chris Davies (Lib Dem, NW England) along the same lines as .