Has Britain really become bigoted and racist since we voted to leave the EU?
HOW dare Magdalena Williams criticise the British for voting to leave the EU (Letters)? Being a refugee from a country under Communist control, I’m surprised she does not see why we no longer want to live under EU rules. Yes, Britain is multicultural, but no one asked us if we wanted this — it was foisted on us by successive governments and we have become an over-crowded little island. Ms Williams appears to be biting the hand that fed her all these years, as so many do. Mrs JOYCE CRICKMORE, Marks Tey, Essex.
I AM disappointed and bemused by what Magdalena Williams says about the UK. I am a hard Brexiteer because I voted to leave the EU and believe in democracy. I am opposed to mass immigration, but this does not make me a bigot, xenophobe, racist or fascist, and I believe this
applies to most Brexiteers. The liberal philosophy is intolerant of those who do not share their views. It would be impossible to allow everyone who wishes to come to the UK to do so because the cost of providing more schools, medical facilities and houses would outweigh their economic benefit.
R. J. EVANS, Birmingham.
I AM sad Magdalena Williams no longer feels welcome in Britain, which gave her refuge as a child. I voted Leave like many of my friends because our relationship with the EU is so different to the one we were promised. I have many European neighbours who have worked hard to integrate. However, allowing uncontrolled immigration from the EU to continue is unsustainable. In my town, the schools are full and the GP surgery has put up notices that it is unable to take any more patients. It would be unfair to all our citizens, whatever their country of origin, to allow free movement from the EU when the infrastructure is collapsing. I hope Ms Williams will reconsider her decision to leave Britain and realise that most people, however they voted, wish to live in harmony. But we also want to protect our countryside and the services we all use and need. ANN CHRISFIELD, Saltdean, E. Sussex.
NO DOUBT the Brexit vote was an antiimmigration issue for a lot of people, but I don’t recognise the description that Britain is a country of bigots — Magdalena’s description of her family and friends would suggest the very opposite. But how long can we accept net annual immigration of a city the size of Newcastle and the strain it puts on UK finances? People don’t want to lose their identity, but feel powerless to stop it. That’s what fosters bigots and racists.
B. PARSONS, Sutton Coldfield, W. Mids.