AS OF January 31 this year, the United Kingdom ceases to be a member state of the European Union, a journey that has taken 1,317 days following the national referendum of 2016.

Since that historic vote we have witnessed continuous rancour and vitriol exchanged among supporters on both sides of the argument, as well as dismaying episodes of chicanery.

Surely it is now time to accept the new reality and proceed with the mission of making our return to sovereignty a success. As our future rests largely in our own hands, a sense of unity of purpose is required, one that applies to all, including our various political parties, civil servants, businesses of all sizes, and most importantly to us as ordinary citizens, the so-called silent majority.

Are we up to the challenge? Only time will tell, but I firmly believe that within our country we have the necessary talent, diversity and fortitude to flourish under our new status. Reflective of this belief is the fact that my wife and I are citizens of the United Kingdom not by birth but entirely by choice.

This country is well regarded by others despite what is often reported by those with their own agendas. Our provision of universal healthcare irrespective of one’s financial circumstances is truly admirable, as are our governmental, educational and legal institutions that have been and still are models for other nations worldwide. Greater advancements are needed. to be sure, something that is applicable around the globe.

Additionally there are many other aspects of British life that define us favourably, ones often taken for granted. Examples are our unique-to-the world orderly queuing, which always makes me smile here or grimace at times when I leave our shores; our recognised sense of fair play; our charitable donations that proportionately are far more generous than anywhere else; our love of sports, many of which we have brought to the four corners of the earth; the fact that most of our police officers still do not carry firearms; our well-known sense of humour, both wry and outrageous; our self-effacing character sometimes carried too far for our own good; our resolve when required, often when all the odds are against us; our strong military tradition that has and still does keep us safe; our love of the great outdoors demonstrated by our setting aside large areas of natural beauty to be retained as such, in particular our national parks; our joyful devotion to our gardens and allotments; our leadership in the growing hospice movement, and much more.

To establish our new relationship with the European Union, there is to be a period of transition devoted to reaching agreements on trade and other matters, one that our government wants to complete by the end of this calendar year. One would think that 11 months is more than adequate, plus deadlines serve to concentrate minds. Yet the new president of the EU Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, has already stated publicly that she thinks the timescale is unrealistic. Thus, we continue to face sentiments and strategies of contrariness from our alleged friends.

Sadly, the reality is that the last thing the EU wants is for us to outperform them economically as we currently are in measures of higher growth and lower unemployment. For this achievement to continue would be an embarrassment for their leaders and one which might motivate other member states to consider their options.

Whatever the case, let us here view challenges as opportunities, put aside differences from within our ranks, and get on with the aspiration of making our communities and our country a better place in which to live for all.

Ira Fishman

Sedgwick