It occurs to me to ponder the current state of affairs and to realise that David Cameron has achieved what has not been done for 377 years: split the country in two.

Last time it happened, the proponents were called Cavaliers and Roundheads.

Today they are known as Brexiteers and Remoaners – but the effects are totally mirrored.

Now, as then, we have large tracts of the country divided in enmity, families split, neighbour against neighbour, friend against friend with threats and accusations, vile recriminations and a Government in meltdown.

It should serve us well to remember that – last time – the country was plunged into seven years of strife and bloodshed followed by 11 years of repression and misery.

Is this the future that either of the warring factions have decided is just what our children/grandchildren need?

It might also be worth remembering that, at the end of the last period of national unrest, the only ones who were unaffected and continued life as before were the rich and powerful.

I’d be amazed if anything was different today.

Whether we are ruled by king or Parliament, Brussels or London has precious little impact on the lives of ordinary working people.

At the end of it all what actually will have changed?

Peter Kerr

Wivenhoe