Did the British shoot them selves in the foot when voting to leave the EU? It seems so

Yes. It was the culmination of a long running and ridiculous internal conflict within the ruling Conservative party. There was a terrible lack of political leadership and complete absence of honesty throughout the referendum campaign. But in the final instance the British people have only themselves to blame for this mess 😔 It was the same sense of humour and lack of attention to detail that brought Boris Johnson to power. This is no longer funny and a majority of us would like to return, thank you very much. I have obtained a Polish passport through my mother's heritage to allow me to continue to enjoy the benefits of free movement. But I sonetimes worry that if I leave my country I will not be allowed back in 😟