The ballot paper on which a record number of us made our mark Thursday 23 June had a simple enough question on it. Simple in that there were only two answers, two boxes, one decision to make. To stay or to go. To EU or not. A black and white question with several shades of grey.

It’s an understatement to say the referendum debate has been heated and divisive. As the country prepares for the next step following a 52% majority voting Leave, families and friends split by the result are at risk of losing the ability to understand each other, unable or unwilling to comprehend how a loved one seemingly harbours such opposing values.

We invited a staunch supporter from each camp to write an open letter to those on the other side, leaving overblown rhetoric behind to frankly explain their position and their reasoning.

Below, Remain supporter Tara Evans writes to Leave voters.

Click here to read Leave supporter Sarah Arnold’s open letter to Remain voters

An open letter to Leave voters from a Remainer: “What message are we sending to the rest of the world?”