There shouldn't have been a direct democracy vote to join as much as there shouldn't have been one to leave. The point of representative democracy is supposed

There shouldn't have been a direct democracy vote to join as much as there shouldn't have been one to leave. The point of representative democracy is supposed to be one where ignorant citizens can select the best - not necessarily most ideologically aligned or politically motivated - from amongst themselves to make these kinds of decisions on their behalf as their job. Obviously we are far from that ideal (very, very far), but it doesn't change how terrible referendum votes are anywhere in the world. You just get emotionally charged shit-flinging that devolves complex issues into tribal warfare. The world is too complicated to boil the issues of millions into yes and no bubble quizzes, that is why we are supposed to have our best handle it.