As we have not yet left the European Union decisions will continue to be made that will affect the lives of UK citizens.

The elections facilitate the legal requirement that all member states have to be represented in the European Parliament.

Depending on the result, the decibel level around the great Brexit divide is likely to increase. In one sense though they could have little impact.

Why? Elected members of the European Parliament are not the key drivers of Brexit - that remains the role of members of the UK Parliament. The European poll will not alter the arithmetic in the House of Commons.

Polls suggest the Conservatives could get their lowest share of the vote ever. Labour look as if they will be doubly squeezed by both remain and leave voters unhappy with the party's position.

The Brexit Party look set for an impressive performance which will be interpreted as an indication of the frustration of leave voters.

In Scotland, the SNP are likely to win the largest share of the vote in a move that will continue to polarise the position of the UK and Scottish governments.

Given the backdrop to these elections, it is likely that turnout will be higher than usual.

Previous elections suggest voters have little interest in Europe. The highest ever turnout was in 2004 when 38.5% of voters exercised their democratic right. In 1999, turnout dropped to 24%.

In the eight elections since the first direct elections in 1979, turnout has hovered around 35%.

Look out for a record poll next Thursday.

It is unlikely that Mrs May will change course. She will still argue that her deal is the only show in town. The result, however, is likely to see further calls for her to resign. It will also underline the urgency of the Commons agreeing a deal.

The already fractious atmosphere is unlikely to improve and it will still beg the questions- Do MPs back her deal? Do they materially change her red lines? Or do they opt for a second referendum to break the expected log jam?

The poll will be intriguing here. It might confirm the heavy support for a Remain position and it might also bolster the Scottish Government's case against Brexit.

It will have implications for domestic politics too. Will Scottish Labour come third again in a national poll? Will they lose one of their two seats?

At the moment Scotland has six MEPs: two SNP, two Labour, one Conservative and one UKIP.

Support for a Remain position could express itself in a high vote for the SNP, a much better vote for the Liberal Democrats or a breakthrough for Change UK.

The Scottish Conservatives might not be squeezed to the extent of the party in England and Wales, perhaps, because their hard-line position against another independence referendum plays well with a significant section of voters.

Opinions polls and political intelligence in the other member states suggests that the major two blocks in the European Parliament will lose out at the expense of parties making solid progress within their states often basing their pitch on anti-immigration messages.

Both the centre-right European People's Party and the centre-left Socialists and Democrats are predicted to lose ground.

It is likely that the new European Parliament will be less friendly towards the idea of further political and economic integration although it's far from clear if the predicted results will lead to Brexit-style demands in other member states.

There is little doubt that there is huge frustration on both sides of the Brexit argument. Leave voters are angry that Brexit hasn't happened. Concerned that it will be a disaster, Remain voters are frustrated that the campaign for a second referendum has been unable to command a Commons majority.

The two largest UK parties are split and both the Prime Minister and leader of the opposition are regarded by many MPs as lacking the leadership skills necessary to break the impasse.

Two radio vox pops I heard sum up a common feeling. One woman said she was "scunnered" with everyone. Another man ventured the view that voting is a precious right and should always be used.

That depends when we leave the EU.

Once we cease to be members, parliamentary representation will cease too.

Only if the House of Commons agree the terms of the Prime Minister's deal or a refined version of it is agreed and backed by the other 27 member states.

If there continues to be paralysis in the Commons the options would appear to be to leave with no deal, revoke the Article 50 process or hand the issue back to the people in another referendum.