It is hard not to feel a measure of disgust at the way some of our presumed leaders have approached this debate. Our Prime Minister, in particular, has demeaned himself and his office by his behaviour. Whatever the result tonight, his reputation should never recover.
This is not some kind of sporting final. If we lose narrowly, this is not the end. Nothing will be settled. Eventually, Britain will leave the European Union, whether through our own decisive action or because the EU collapses in front of us.
A chaotic and ignominious collapse could be disastrous. We can only hope that reason prevails, and that we vote to instruct our government to negotiate an orderly exit. This should stimulate a rational and progressive dismantling of the whole dreadful EU construction. We can only hope.
It’s going to be a long night.