I am deeply saddened by the results of the recent referendum (allegedly 51% for, 49% against) on the constitution of Turkey which gives sweeping new powers to the president.

It changes Ataturk’s separation of religion and politics,the guarantee of the equality of the sexes in education and society, the independence of the judiciary, and the freedom of speech in the original constitution.

Turkey was the last bastion of parliamentary democracy in the Muslim Middle East but now has a president who is increasingly becoming an authoritarian Islamic dictator who can declare martial law and rule by decree.

The secular opposition contest the results of the referendum but whatever the outcome it leaves Turkey bitterly divided and facing an uncertain economic, political and military future.