The UK's future

Leaving the EU is one thing, but actually what I'm more worried about is the disintegration of the United Kingdom. If we somehow managed to stay together we might be able to function in a post-EU world, but once Scotland and Northern Ireland get around to deciding the EU is more important than Britain (and I completely understand that sentiment), the UK will cease to be.

And I'm not particularly confident of how Great Britain will be able to stand on the global stage, let alone England.

Still, nothing set in stone yet. And I do believe that with engagement of the public and sensible negotiating, this situation may be rectified.

Thoughts for the future

Sure, I'm not happy with the result, but this isn't the end. It is likely to take at least two years for any leave negotiations to be sorted out. That's two years to try and work for a better Britain and a better world, whether that future is in the EU or not.

I am surprised at the number of people who voted to leave when for me the facts pointed heavily towards remaining. But I also respect the democratic process and I can understand why people may well be unhappy with the current state of things. I think this is an opportunity not to throw our hands up in the air and simply say "We're fucked, so I don't care any more", but instead to engage with leave voters and understand their reasoning.

It feels like a lot of the anti-EU sentiment has come simply from people feeling like they aren't listened to and lack of engagement. So let's fix that, let's work towards an inclusive discussion of what works, what doesn't and what we want to work towards. We haven't left yet and now that the propaganda machines have slowed there may be an opportunity to be frank, honest and rhetoric-free. I for one would like to grab this opportunity with both hands and wring something positive about what has felt like a fairly poisonous episode in this country's history.

My heart goes out to everyone who's future has been thrown into uncertainty, especially EU nationals in this country and Brits abroad. I still love you guys.

Right. Happy music on. Depressing news articles closed. It's a new (and sunny!) day.

Aftermath

As depressed as I feel right now, my heart is hoping that all the experts are wrong and we find a way to be part of the global community without the EU.

My head however is having none of it right now.

And as much as emigration seems appealing, I don't know if I could leave this country and those who don't have the option of moving to a new country behind.

Vote remain

Yes it isn't perfect, and no I don't have all the answers, but I'm going to vote based in what evidence is out there from people whose job it is to know what they're talking about.

As far as I can tell, leaving will fix little, while bearing massive risk for both the UK and the EU. Remaining brings many benefits for the environment, workers, and those in need of protection.

But really for me this is about working together with people across nations to try and build a better future. Sure, there will always be arguments, that's human nature, and sure it might cost us a little, but why are people who happen to live on this island so much more important than those who happen to live across a few miles of water? Maybe I'm a hopeless idealist, but the ideas of common rights, freedom of movement and ease of trade sound pretty appealing to me. Especially when compared to the mistrusting, often xenophobic approach of isolationism.

And also I'd rather keep Boris, Michael and Nigel as far from government as possible.

Vote remain.