Driving seat

Once Britain applies under Article 50 to leave the EU a lengthy process will begin. During this time the likes of Mandelson, Kinnock and Heseltine will continue to spread doom and gloom in an attempt to change the democratic decision of the people. Many conditions will be demanded before an exit is agreed. No doubt due to these conditions another referendum will be held in the hope that the people will vote the “correct” way as happened in Ireland, Denmark and France.

There is a simpler and quicker way to leave the EU. An Act of Parliament took us in so the repeal of the Act, the 1972 European Communities Act, would immediately cancel our membership. Payments to the EU could be stopped, a start could be made to secure our borders and we could take back control of our territorial waters. In negotiations with the EU or anybody else we would be in a strong position as we offer a market of over 60 million people. So quite simply, we would be in the driving seat rather than in discussions about what direction we should be taking. WILLIAM W SCOTT St Baldred’s Road North Berwick

East Lothian So barristers are telling David Cameron referendums are “advisory” only and not legally binding (your report, 11 July)? I expect that these lawyers will now demand regular replays of England’s game against Iceland until the desired outcome is reached. Then, suddenly, no more games.

The fact is, sovereignty lies with the people, not Parliament or the monarch. The latter were temporary custodians of sovereignty until methods were found to allow we, the people, to speak for ourselves. Referendums tap the wisdom of the crowd. Switzerland has had nearly 400 referendums since the Second World War and the system works there; why not here, too?

TIM FLINN Garvald, East Lothian