To really really wish the EU referendum had never happened.

[fakenamefornow]

It has caused so much instability, division and resentment. What a fucking mess.

Erm thanks Bill

Pre-referendum, of course people knew about the EU and had opinions on EU membership, whether they wanted to stay or not. I understand that. What I'm saying is that if there hadn't been an EU membership referendum, people wouldn't have been given the choice to Leave or Remain. Therefore, the issue of EU membership wouldn't then have been as contentious or high-profile as it is now, after such a major referendum. So without any mention of a possible referendum, people's attention would have been focussed elsewhere, like on what's been happening in Syria for example.

I voted remain, however what's happened has happened and we now need to concentrate on getting the best deal for the UK not constantly fighting the last debate. It's now as relevant as arguing whether Chamberlain was right or not to announce peace in our time.

A couple of points though. Cameron stated in his manifesto that a referendum would be held. He clearly won the election. Should politicians not carry out manifesto pledges?

Parliament voted through a referendum and by some majority. So it wasn't all a Tory stitch up.

Everyone knew the question would be a straight yes and no. If it had been any different the howls of protest would have been huge.

The country was divided before. Referendums don't create splits, they just allow people to voice their disquiet. Because you don't hear the dissatisfaction doesn't mean it isn't there.

Lastly, very few people mention the risks of staying in the EU. They weren't willing to reform and the union is shaky. Who says it will survive?

To be honest, the political landscape had become complacent and maybe the current turbulent times will give rise to a less inequitable country.

If you dont like change, I suppose you wish you lived in the Stone Age.

I wish there had never been a referendum - I said at the time, it should be a matter for government to decide - and it's been too divisive.

I also wish there wasn't a snap GE. Sick of the lot of them to be quite honest. It seems the running of the country is turning into X-Factor. We'll be phone voting next.

So without any mention of a possible referendum, people's attention would have been focussed elsewhere, like on what's been happening in Syria for example.

Would it bollocks. It was the only issue which had a fairly successful almost single issue political party dedicated to it. It was a festering issue.

Not having a referendum wouldn't have meant it had gone away. The larger part of the electorate would still have been living with a political system they didn't want even if they weren't asked. The idea that if there hadn't been a referendum the issue would have gone away is nonsense. Particularly given the upsurge in terror on the continent the issue would have become more and more focused.