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We are a country divided by Brexit.

It has divided communities, friends and families.

How we handle this moment of national crisis is a test of our character - and it is a test of our politicians as well.

The Prime Minister has a particular responsibility to seek to unite the country and not divide it.

That is what Boris Johnson promised when he stood to be leader of the Conservative party.

(Image: Getty)

Yet everything he has done since are the actions of someone who will sow division, stir up hatred and inflame tensions if he thinks it can help him politically.

He reached his lowest moment on Wednesday night.

He repeatedly used the language of surrender about his opponents, showed no regard for the memory of murdered MP Jo Cox, and said it was “humbug” when an MP talked about the death threats she had received.

I had massive disagreements with David Cameron, but this represented a new low.

His behaviour is no accident, it is a deliberate strategy.

He thinks by stirring up hatred and division, he can blame everyone else for the mess the country is in and wash his hands of responsibility.

He wants to pretend that we can crash out with No Deal on 31st October without consequences for you and your family - and that anyone standing in his way is treasonous.

(Image: EPA-EFE/REX)

People share a massive frustration that over three years on from the Brexit vote, we are still stuck as a country.

But we can and must find a way forward without descending into hatred and vitriol and we must get back as a country to all the issues that matter so much, like the NHS, schools, jobs and housing.

The vast majority of us share values of tolerance, respect and decency.

Before 2016 that is what we used to be known for around the world.

Now people look at the bitterness and division and wonder if we’ve forgotten who we are.

Our democracy depends on all of us, not simply MPs, being able to speak freely without fear or favour.

It depends on us all ascribing to each other the best motives not the worst.

It depends on us seeking to unite and not divide.

However Brexit is resolved, we will need to live together as a country afterwards.

We are better than this as a country - and better than Boris Johnson.

Ed Miliband MP is the former leader of the Labour Party