Read White Paper for a clearer view

HOW many people have taken the time to read the latest White Paper dealing with the future relationship between the UK and the EU? It is probably the most important piece of government printed paper for a generation or more.

Once it was produced, I felt that since I was one of those who at the time of the referendum felt that the government was trying to sell us a bill of goods that was decidedly iffy, and went the other way, I ought to.

Since the result we have seen the most divisive political behaviour by both main political parties and EU leaders, listened some utter rubbish from commentators, the media and talking heads on chat shows which to me only served to prove that mostly they hadn’t really got a clue.

Having voted to Leave I have watched with trepidation as our country has wrestled with task of separation and how our leaders have tried to inform the public on the scale and complexity of the job using sound bites and summary statements. It’s not possible to do this. The width and depth of our involvement with the EU and its many agencies over the last 40 years or so is huge. It would be less than sensible to just walk away from it without some form of arrangement that continued our involvement and contribution.

Anyway, getting back to the White Paper, I have read it and I consider it is a fair shot at setting out the task involved and a pretty good set of ideas on how to achieve our separation from the EU without chucking the baby out with bath water, so to speak.

I feel now that, having invested a couple of hours and becoming familiar with the government proposals, I have a reasonable understanding of what’s on offer.

As is sometimes said, “the devil is in the detail” and clearly there is a way to go before the legislation appears which will be a reflection of what is finally thrashed out.

Robert Smith

Earlsdon