Time to heal this divided nation

Editor News editor The Conservative government’s ill-advised decision to hold a referendum on such a complex subject as the UK’s membership of the European Union has plunged the country into turmoil. The fact that the decision was taken largely for internal party reasons makes it doubly unfortunate.

The campaigns were characterised by undeliverable promises and meaningless threats, on both sides.

The Green Party campaigned to stay in the EU because we believe that, on balance, it offers the best hope for economic justice, social progress and political stability.

We now face years of economic and political uncertainty. However, more concerning even than that is the fact that the country is divided, perhaps as never before.

There are perfectly legitimate arguments about the weaknesses of the EU, but these have been all too frequently sidelined by soundbite politics that plays on fear and doesn’t encourage hope. Since the referendum there has been a worrying increase in reports of racist abuse.

Now we need to repair our divided communities. All of us, whatever party we belong to (and none), who have campaigned on the remain side need to listen to those who voted to leave but also ensure that those manipulative political interests that have sought to capitalise on people’s legitimate concerns are pushed back into the shadows.

Racism and xenophobia should have no part in our political culture and it is the responsibility of politicians, from leaders to activists on the ground, to foster community cohesion, tolerance and democratic participation. Richard Byatt Tonbridge & Malling Green Party (treasurer and media lead) The elite, the establishment and the experts have let the people of Britain down yet again. We have voted for to leave the EU