Never before has a democratic decision invoked such negative reaction and gloom, at least in the recent past, as this referendum that supported Britain’s exit from the European Union.

There were some democratic values at stake that necessitated the referendum in the first place. As Lord Ashcroft Poll suggests, there was the predominant concern that "decisions about the UK should be taken in the UK", hinting that these decisions should not be left at the mercy of EU’s unelected bureaucracy.

Yet the brutal murder of young Labour MP Jo Cox, an immigrant, and therefore Remain, supporter just before the referendum and the rise in hate crimes and race riots immediately after the referendum depict how the campaign for a democratic choice went awry. Whatever the lofty aims of the voters may have been, the consequence is rather unpleasant -- the xenophobic fringe has overnight become the mainstream in a Britain that held dear its values of tolerance, pluralism and multiculturalism.

There is a huge sense of insecurity in the non-white community.

Read also: Brexit and beyond

What these depressing consequences have sidelined is the discussion on the problems with the EU itself and precludes the possibility of reform.

The divisive power of this vote has affected the UK itself, with Scotland wanting to remain with Europe and not the mother country. What is more, it has disenchanted people, forcing them to question the idea of regional unity and drawing them inwards -- towards the nation state. As Farhad Mirza writes, this poses a difficulty in times where the world needs global cooperation to deal with issues like climate change.

The divisive power of Brexit is still unfolding within the UK, where the people are clearly divided along age, with most young people having opted for Remain and most oldies choosing the Leave option. Leaving the far right UKIP aside, there is sharp polarisation within the two large parties on this question and may bring forth unexpected leaders in the coming months.

Our Special Report today is about what lies beyond Brexit.