Brexit vote today: Bitterly divided Britain decides on future, undecided 11 per cent hold the key

In an unprecedented spectacle for two hours, millions across the nation remained glued to their TV sets watching their leaders throw verbal punches, deal devastating soundbites. Both sides indulged in fearmongering, personal attacks, misleading claims and dodgy statistics. Never before in contemporary history has one seen mainstream British politics so marred by bitterness and antagonism.

Khan accused Johnson and his Leave camp of running a “project hate” against immigrants. Brandishing a Vote Leave leaflet, he blamed his opponents of “lying” and “trying to scare people” by saying that Turkey is set to join the EU.

[related-post]

Watch Video: What’s making news

Johnson insisted Turkey’s entry in the EU would undermine Britain’s national security. He accused remainers of “taking down our country”.

While the leavers denounced their opponents of not believing in British sovereignty and “Britishness,” the remainers charged their rivals with undermining some of the core beliefs of British democracy such as tolerance and multiculturism.

Johnson said Brexit would be “Britain’s independence day”. The star of the debate Ruth Davidson, the Scottish Conservative party leader, attacked the “lies” of the Leave campaign and said to a passionately applauding section of the audience, “You deserved the truth.”

So who won the debate? The most accurate answer could be: a thrilling draw.

The United Kingdom stands truly divided. For example, some elderly parents think the National Health Service is failing because too many outsiders have come to avail of its facilities.

Many young people think there will be more jobs if they remain within the EU, while a 45-year-old white worker facing redundancy might think his job has gone because of the cheap labour that immigrants have brought in. An Indian doctor points out, it is because of the EU that highly qualified English speaking Indian doctors have been denied entry while non-English speaking Polish and Romanian doctors are allowed in.

Ethnic minorities are divided too. Some community leaders think that banning the EU immigrants would open doors for Indians, Pakistanis and Bangladeshis.
In this high stakes game, the biggest gainer or loser will be Prime Minister David Cameron. If he loses on Friday, the UK will be searching for a new prime minister by the night, and that new prime minister could well be Boris Johnson.

That’s why in the last 24 hours, Cameron has come out all guns blazing. In an interview with the Guardian, he described Britain as “arguably the most successful multi-ethnic, multi-faith opportunity democracy anywhere on Earth.” And that’s why he appealed to the people to “reject this idea of being narrow and insular and inward looking.”

Standing at 10 Downing Street, Cameron spoke directly to the nation and appealed to older voters to “think about the hopes and dreams of your children and grandchildren…They cannot undo the decision that we make. If we vote Out, that’s it. It’s irreversible.” He put up a brave face saying, “Brits don’t quit.”

Both sides have also been marshalling public figures and celebrities to win the voters. The latest to join the war of celebrities was England’s equivalent to Sachin Tendulkar, their most popular footballer, David Beckham, who said “in a connected world, together as a people we are strong.”

[related-post]

Harry Potter author J K Rowling, eminent physicist Stephen Hawking, Arsenal manager Arsen Wenger, rock star Elton John, artist Tracy Emon and Virgin boss Richard Branson have expressed their support for the Remain camp.

Determined not to be left behind, the Leave camp also has brought out a very impressive line of celebrities from all walks of life. The England cricket legend Ian Botham described the EU as “corrupt” and asked the UK to place faith in its “natural allies,” the Commonwealth.

His sentiments are backed up by the veteran actor Michael Caine, Faulty Towers comedian John Cleese, Dallas soap star Joan Collins, and the actress Elizabeth Hurley.

Meanwhile, Scotland has given warning of the serious consequences of the leaving the EU. According to Ruth Davidson, a vote to leave would give “fresh oxygen” to Scottish nationalists.

The Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is reported to have asked officials to draw up contingency plans for a second independence referendum if the UK leaves the EU. Speaking in Scottish parliament, she said plans were being put in place to counter the “economic shock” of leaving the EU.

She has also hinted to go for a second referendum on Scotland’s independence.