Crisis

The original meanings of "crisis" were the point in the process of  a disease where a change takes place which is decisive of recovery or death; and, later, a turning-point in the progress of anything   (from the Greek words having the same meanings). Only in modern times has it come to be applied to any emergency. But the debate in the House of Commons which commences today must surely lead to a crisis in the pathological sense of the word in the form of the vote on Tuesday 11th December. If it goes the government's way, the UK is finally committed to leaving the European Union; if not, then our membership goes on to life-support.