Make up for lost time

AS ONE chapter of the Brexit story ends, we need to begin making up for lost time.

the focus on the eu over the past three years has taken attention away from key decisions made in areas such as defence and industrial strategy. these have to be acted upon regardless of our future relationship with europe.

From new defence surveillance capabilities in space to protect our satellites to our ambition to secure 10 per cent of the global space market by 2030, targets and deadlines are already much harder to meet than when they were proposed.

While negotiations will continue over the 11-month transition period, the UK has to treat Brexit as only one facet of government activity.

With threats from terrorism, propaganda and fake news all increasing, we must push ahead with the delayed defence review.

We have to invest in modernised, interconnected military capabilities to maintain our tactical advantage.

Not only will stagnation hold back industry and economic growth, it may also threaten our nation’s safety and the freedom we seek to preserve. STEVE BEECHING, Farnborough, Hants. I VOTED to remain and still think we would be better off in the EU. However, I see no point in looking back and wishing for Brexit to fail.

I fervently hope the Government will show integrity and produce some of the benefits it claims will come from leaving the EU.

I will be happy to admit if I was wrong to doubt it and will be only too pleased if Brexit is a success. to that end, please can we have no gloating from Leavers and no moaning from remainers.

Mrs V. A. EDMONDS, Poole, Dorset.