Star comment: Unity is the best way after Brexit

And with a new trading relationship with Europe to play for, everything is up for grabs.

Educated, reliable experts on both sides of the Brexit divide have presented well-reasoned, logical arguments as to what will most likely happen as we move to a future beyond the single market.

Acolytes predict a golden era of free trade, improved prospects for exporters and a healthier balance of payments. Naysayers foresee a doom-laden time when we will face tariffs of several per cent, which will wipe out profit margins and cost tens of thousands of jobs.

It remains to be seen who is right. Most probably, neither will be. The truth will be somewhere in between.

At the heart of the Brexit vote was the issue of immigration. Most Brexiteers wanted an end to free movement between Europe and the UK and PM Theresa May has pledged to see that through.

Immigration is, we are assured, one of Mrs May's red lines. Politicians from Germany, France, Italy and those who head the European Commission will not be able to move her from that position. She was given a clear mandate from the British public that too many people are migrating to these shores. However hard others negotiate, it is inconceivable that she will be allowed to back down.

There are considerable hurdles ahead, however. Some of the biggest nations in Europe have elections pending and they will want to make an example of Britain. Getting tough about Brexit will be essential as pro-Europeans try to hold the EU together. They must show unity and strength, punishing Britain by imposing tariffs will be on the agenda of some.

It remains to be seen whether Brexit will be a force for good or bad. Shropshire MP Owen Paterson, who voted to leave, is one who believes Britain will prosper. He might well point to the IMF predicting that the UK economy will be the fastest growing in the G7 – proving earlier, pessimistic predictions about Britain's future wrong.

The vote is done, the people – like it or not – have spoken, so it is up to everyone to make the best of it. Amid conflicting reports of economic health, pulling together and ensuring the country's interests are protected is the only way forward.