For a nation with such deep maritime traditions, Britain’s prime minister, David Cameron, chose an appropriate shipping metaphor when he resigned after the surprise loss of the referendum on membership of the European Union (EU) last week.

“I will do everything I can as prime minister to steady the ship over the coming weeks and months but I do not think it would be right for me to try to be the captain that steers our country to its next destination,” he said, fighting to hold back the tears.

Poignant