BREXIT VOTE LATEST

A nation divided: Little has split opinion as much as the debate over membership of the European Union. differences but for the needs of its people, who are with absolutely certainty, not clones of each other – and thank goodness they’re not.

Evolving country character and identity should be celebrated, not restricted.

When I was kid and I’d line up my dominoes – you must all remember the Domino Rally? – there was the pleasure of lining them all up, hesitantly adjusting the angle on the corners to ensure a clean transition and execution of kinetic energy.

Then, the little flick of the forefinger and thumb clipping the first most powerful domino, then faster and faster until the last domino fell. You could argue this is a poor analogy of the point I’m trying to make regarding the certain demise of the European Union.

Slowly at first, just like my old dominoes. However, I wonder who will be the next brave country to say ‘enough is enough’ and take that view to their people.

I’m so happy to be an Ilkeston lad, I love Erewash, too. I’m proud to be British and European. We have so much to offer. We are on the doorstep of so many absolutely amazing countries which, in turn, are full of incredible people.

We don’t need to be part of the EU to recognise that. Paris is 50 minutes from East Midlands Airport, Amsterdam the same; Spain just two hours away! None of that will change when we leave the EU – we aren’t going anywhere!

For the Europeans among us, we shall remain so – European – hold your head up high. We will welcome our neighbours from across our continent and beyond as we have always done. Will will also continue to be welcomed. We will continue to love beyond borders, too – none of that will change. l Dale Forbes-Sutherland FRSA (Fellow of The Royal Society of Arts).