The last two weeks have not been this country’s finest. Provoked or not, our football fans have been rioting in France; our political debate has stooped so low that Nigel Farage felt he could unveil a poster of tens of thousands of refugees under the banner of ‘Breaking Point’; and a Member of Parliament was shot dead in the street.
I make no attempt to connect any or all of those events. But in the same month as we have celebrated the Queen’s 90th Birthday, our cricketers, footballers, rugby and tennis players have all been successful, and our first (official) astronaut has returned from space; it seems extraordinary that our nation can feel so angry, reticent and divided.
After all this unpleasantness, some people have asked if I regret supporting a referendum. I don’t. The question we will answer this week will define our nation for decades to come and it is long overdue. I believe we should vote to remain because I think the economic risks of leaving are just too great and that in a modern interconnected world, being a member of things gives greater strength and influence than carping from the side lines. I disagree with but respect anyone who thinks the opposite.
So let’s answer the question, accept the result and then come together as a country to move on from the pain and anger of the last few weeks. We live in a proud, modern and successful nation. We must celebrate our past but so too must we look forward to the even better things that are yet to come. Whichever path we choose on Thursday, an exciting future lies ahead.