I have found the last three years difficult. Having spent most of our working life in Europe before and after Britain entered the EU we were always treated with respect, kindness and made many friends. Sadly this cannot be said about my own country who on our return treated us with disrespect; my children were bullied at school and our car tyres slashed etc all because we lived in Europe. When my children asked 'what nationality are we' I replied European as we were proud to be so even though we are English. So voting to remain in the referendum was a forgone conclusion for my family.
What I found since the result is that the people, including members of my own extended family, who voted to leave to be aggressive, rude and defensive about their decision. After three years we have never had a proper debate, as to the pros and cons of EU all I get is the same answers from all of them, 'to get our country back', whatever that means, repeating BJ and NF almost word for word.
I have tried having a discussion with female friends and older women members of the family, but their reaction is the same. They have either voted to remain but don't tell the husband or voted to leave because their husband's did, either way they didn't want to talk about it.
The men of friends and family who voted leave, all are of the same mind set as BJ and NF, but again they do all seem to be white men of pensionable age. Their argument being that we want our country back with no immigrates or foreigners interfering. This is of course immediately contradicted when they complain that they have to wait 8 weeks for a doctors appointment, can't get the drugs they needed, but they do not or choose not to see the connection of Brexit and the difficulties this may bring, even if it maybe in the short term.
The only sensible discussions I have had is with my 15 year old GS, and other young people all of whom seems very knowledgeable on this matter. All are in agreement that if they had a vote they would vote remain. The reason is because they like having friends from all over Europe and want to be part of this exciting continent that's on their doorstep. From the mouths of babes
I am a member of the Green party but in this election I starting to think of voting Labour because they are the only party offering a proper debate on Europe with all the facts are on the table and will give us the final say. I also think JC is right in being the honest broker in this matter so we really have to think for ourselves and have a final vote on Europe.