Brexit hard work all kicks off now

■ FROM the late 1950s, the UK tried to join the European Economic Community, as it was known then, because our economy was in decline and it was thought joining this “club” of nations would help us financially.

Finally, in 1973, we were accepted and since then we have gone from strength to strength to become the sixth richest country in the world. But now with Brexit we risk slipping down the scale. I really do hope that when the deal is finalised in December, Brexit will be good for the UK.

But it’s certainly one massive gamble and there is much work that needs to be done. And if it goes wrong, will Nigel Farage, Boris Johnson and the Tory Party own up to their mistake? I have my doubts. Stan Rugman, Derby

■ Why all the fuss and crocodile tears in the EU Parliament over our leaving? One of the reasons I voted Leave is because Brussels has little or no real power and is nothing but a rubber-stamping committee. How can there be any proper and meaningful debate when MEPs are only allowed to speak for one minute if they haven’t aligned themselves with any political group?

It appears most things are already done and dusted with before an issue even gets to a so-called debate in the EU Parliament. I say roll on December 31 when we can finally leave the EU for good.

Arthur Wood, Leeds

■ As someone who voted to remain in the referendum, I am sorry Britain is leaving the European Union. The Government now has to work hard in the transition period to go through all the rules and regulations that have governed our lives for 47 years.

I believe our departure from the EU will have far-reaching consequences for the future of the UK, particularly for Northern Ireland and Scotland. People voted to leave the EU for different reasons but I also believe the reality will not match their expectations. Christine Hanks, Woking, Surrey

■ Although it’s welcomed that we’ve now left the EU there is still much more to be done. We are still tied to the single market which would greatly disadvantage any potential Labour government from enacting policies of nationalisation of industry and public utilities.

I wonder though if no deal is still possible by default, as the EU Withdrawal Bill rules out any extension to the transition period beyond December 2020.

If we do crash out then the UK should not pay the £39billion “divorce bill”.

Phil Brand, South West London

■ Now we are leaving the European Union, only time will tell if we have taken a huge gamble with our economic future.

Anyone hoping that a “Brexit bounce” will give a lift to our stagnant economy is likely to be disappointed.

Only a fool would ask to change their energy supplier without first finding out that they would get a better deal with their new one.

Anyone care to bet that we will be asking to be readmitted to the European Union in the not-toodistant future?

John Costello, Wolverhampton

■ What an irony that MEPs chose Auld Lang Syne, composed by Rabbie Burns – whose birthday we have just celebrated – to mark their sadness at the UK’s departure from the EU.

A poignant reminder that an overwhelming proportion of Scots chose Remain.

And all the Brexit Party could do was to wave Union Jacks in an act of petty triumphalism. Shame on them.

Trevor Rigg, Edinburgh