Manchester Evening News

EU still offers us the hand of friendship

-

J JOSSON is brave calling for engagement with the EU to take back control (‘We’re simply not in control,’ Viewpoints, May 5)

I fear they will be shouted down, but as time drains away Brexit problems aren’t getting dissolved by some Gordian knot-cutting solution.

With Brexiteers like Jacob ReesMogg using terms like ‘completely cretinous’ the ruling party is barely unified by their desire to hold on to power, not working in partnershi­p with others.

The NHS is desperate for profession­als but they’re blocked by another part of government.

Does anyone, Bremainer or Brexiteer, want their future determined by an arrogant executive who feel parliament­ary oversight and democracy shouldn’t fetter them or challenge their diktats?

Liam Fox’s reaction to the House of Lords’ challenge last week is symptomati­c of this arrogance. You may think the Lords needs reforming or changing, but for a government to reject the second chamber’s cautious scrutiny smacks of despotic government in ‘less happier lands.’

Julie Ward (one of our representa­tives who is still working constructi­vely) recently told a friend that the hand of friendship is still there in Bruxelles.

We could withdraw our leaving note, apologise for wasting their time, and re-engage positively (and it would not demand we adopt the Euro).

Many in the EU appreciate it needs revitalisa­tion. Wouldn’t it be better to be at the table influencin­g it for the better and leading it? Outside we will have to live next door to neighbours whose values, attitudes and principles are not shaped by ours. Moreover they may feel they owe us no favours. Mary Bland, Manchester

 ??  ?? Cherry blossom in a blue sky, by Sharon Casserley. If you have a stunning picture, then we’d love to see it. Send your photos to us at viewpoints@men-news. co.uk, marking them Picture of the Day
Cherry blossom in a blue sky, by Sharon Casserley. If you have a stunning picture, then we’d love to see it. Send your photos to us at viewpoints@men-news. co.uk, marking them Picture of the Day

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United Kingdom