A Nation Divided: Buyers Remorse and Icelandic Warriors

One would think that the fact the most googled phrase in Britain after we woke up in a post-Brexit world was "What is the EU" would be grounds enough for another trip to the ballot boxes. As it is though, this being the 21st century and all, we have a record breaking petition, signed by 4 million people and counting, some of whom seem to actually be resident in Britain.

Meanwhile, the shell shocked Leave campaign are starting to wish they hadn't banged on about the EU quite so much, whilst simultaneously back-pedalling faster than the England men's football team are currently getting off the continent. In a glorious twist of poetic justice, the newly independent Engalnd have been defeated in a sport they alledgedly inveneted, by a plucky team of semi-professionals from a country slightly more populous than Slough (and almost as bleak during the winter.)

It is too early to say what will emerge from the unprecedented political ashes of the Brxit bonfire, but suffice it to say here that the most important thing is that we don't allow those elements of society using the uncertainty as an excuse to push their rasict or ideological agendas onto us to do so. Whether it's people being abused in the street, or letters through people's doors, or indeed MPs trying to unseat a leader who bears no blame for the result of this referendum, we must stand up to this injustice, and try and rebuild something truly good (but not 'Great') from the wreckage. 

Brexit, Bremain, and Brazen tactics: EU Referendum Redux

Depending on the outcome of the EU referendum, this will hopefully be the last time I write about the relentless and ugly campaign - as life will go back to normal, people having made the sensible decision to vote for inclusiveness over isolation, and a stable economy rather than pseudo-sovereignty.

The fact that the tragic killing of MP Jo Cox last week has clearly had a positive impact on people's decision making progress, is one of the few heartening aspects of an otherwise depressing and divisive campaign from both sides of the fence.

It is clear that the events of last week are symptomatic of the same disenfranchisement and alienation from politics that is leading so many to consider voting for abandoning Britain's involvement in the European project. To view these issues in isolation, is to ignore important and unignorable trends, which will continue to develop whatever the result on Thursday.

The crucial points are these. Firstly, make your vote count, as it's one of the very few opportunities you will enjoy as a British voter to have your ballot counted fairly and openly. Secondly, if the Remain campaign is indeed triumphant, the fight is far from over. Much work needs to be done to change societal attitudes towards migration, globalisation and progressive social policy. Finally, don't let a courageous campaigner's death be in vain - take up the cause, and fight for what you believe in. 

Ingerland Ingerland England: Fear and Loathing at Euro 2016

In an unprecedented show of European friendship and solidarity, England's esteemed representatives across the channel have been busy beating seven shades of shit out of anyone unlucky enough to commit the double atrocity of being foreign, and in their general vicinity. 

Possibly exarcebated by the fact that the gendarmerie national seem more trigger happy with the tear gas than your average Holywood SWAT team, our red faced squadron of peace envoys are providing ammunition for the Leave campaign by ensuring that no rational member of British society will want to be seen dead in Europe anytime in the near future. 

From tackling passing pensioners, to assaulting a wheelchair user, the footage from France has been genuinely shocking - far beyond the usual clashes between hardcore fans seem at international tournaments. 

Our fellow (for the time being) Europeans over in the east have clearly also not covered themselves in glory - particularly as the Russian media have been egging them on at every opportunity. It seems that, much like Eurovision (albeit with more violence, and less sequins) the Euros have become an opportunity for nations to fight out their underlying rivalries on a global stage. No wonder the European dream is looking increasingly fragile. 

In, Out, Shaking it all about: Everything you wanted to know about the EU referendum, despite probably never asking in the first place

Perhaps fittingly, I inadvertently booked a trip to see my brother in Berlin on the day of the EU referendum; depending on the result, I will strongly consider missing the return flight.

The hullabaloo around this undoubtedly important decision has thrown up some interesting conundrums for the casual observer. Will we still get to compete in Eurovision? Will Brexit finally mean our bananas are free to be as bendy as we apparently want them to be? And most importantly, who is more of a danger to the future of British society, automa-tory George Osborne or megalomaniac masquerading as a childcare's party entertainer, Boris Johnson?

Political issues which cut across the left-right divide are difficult for us humble voters to disentangle. What to make of a situation where self-confessed Marxist Yanis Varoufakis and notorious urine monetiser Martin O'Leary can be found arguing passionately for the same cause? Indeed, O'Leary has gone as far as to offer British expats (economic migrants?) cut price flights to get home in time for election day, whilst on the other side of the dubious publicity stunt by outspoken millionaire fence, Weatherspoon's founder Tim Martin has flooded his pubs with Brexit beer mats, the content of which are presumably being hotly debated over a round of jägerbombs as we speak. Joking aside, it is certainly telling that in the past few months, I have heard people from all walks of life discussing the finer points of the debate - mostly coming to the conclusion that they haven't got a clue.

Pro-Brexit arguments from the radical left tend to focus on the idea that, free form the neo-liberal yolk of Jean-Claude Juncker et al, Britain will be free to cultivate the socialist utopia it has always dreamed of. In a world where Jeremy Corbyn is viewed by almost all mainstream media as at best an amusing 80s throwback, and at worst, a genuine threat to global security, this seems highly unlikely. A more realistic scenario, is that it will solidify Britain's increasing trend towards isolationism, individualism and ignorance, creating an increasingly fragmented and hostile society. Some talk of toppling Cameron, which very much feels like the nuclear option with Osborne, Johnson and May eagerly waiting in the wings. Say what you like about the probable pig botherer, but he is at worst a benign dictator.

Those on the right baying for Brussels' blood take the different, but no less misguided, line that Brexit will be economically beneficial for Britain. The very fact that most mainstream economists argue this won't be the case undermines this argument, as global economics is entirely based on blind faith in the system itself. Vote Leave points out that we have sent half a trillion pounds to the EU since 1973, which frankly seems like a bargain when we are on the cusp on spending half that amount on some obsolete submarines to pootle around the Atlantic for the next 40 years. The issue of migration is unarguably a serious one, and too nuanced to get into here. Suffice it to say, that we can continue being hostile towards people not from round here, whether in, out, or indeed shaking it all about, which should be enough to silence even the most swivel eyed the pro-Brexit campaign has to offer.

And don't worry, I've applied for a postal vote, so I'll still be able to have my say come election day. If you're still undecided, I'll leave you with the wise words of the aforementioned Greek revolutionary Varoufakis - "When I was student, a close friend who hated parties nevertheless never missed one just so that he would have something to bitch about the day after. Please do not be like him."