At the heart of the matter

WHATEVER the outcome of the referendum campaign, the belief that Britain is — or ever can be — at the heart of Europe has been shaken.

With rather unimpressive leaders, an almost total lack of institutional and ‘expert’ endorsement, and in the face of the most exaggerated appeals to negativity and fear, the public has maintained a commendably stubborn determination to walk away from the failed relationship.

That might not prove to be sufficient on the day: fear, inertia and the status quo could still tip the scales. We might decide to stay in ‘for the sake of the kids’. But it would be unrealistic to imagine that a Remain vote in such circumstances could dissipate British resistance to the European Union project.

After 43 years, our antagonism is stronger than it ever was. It will only increase as the EU moves closer towards its goal. Those who speak of the commitment of the young to the cause of union forget that many Brexiters were young once and voted in favour of the Common Market.

A Leave vote is the only option that can secure closure to the unhappy and frustrating history of Britain in Europe.

MARTIN R. MALONEY, London N3.