Brexit will be seen as worst decision by democratic government in modern times

I must agree with Anthony O’donnell (Letters, 23 June) that it is the duty of MPS to represent the interests of their constituents, not to follow passing fads.

There is good evidence from opinion polls that, were the European Union referendum to be re-run, the result would be the opposite.

This is no doubt because the public is coming to realise that they were lied to systematically by the Leave campaign.

They were not told about the bill to pay on exit, or the return of borders in Ireland which will act as a recruiting sergeant for the terrorists on both sides. They were not told that, far from getting rid of EU law, we will have to continue to apply that law if we want to continue trading with the EU.

The only difference will be that we will no longer be able to exercise our sovereign right to have a say in making it: we will just have to apply what we are told to by the EU.

The idea of a “United States of Europe” raised by Dr Charles Wardrop (Letters, 24 June) is a red herring. That was an idea mooted in the early 1950s in the aftermath of war. It hardly survived the 1950s and today not a single EU member state would countenance it.

The decision to accept the result of a non-binding referendum as “the will of the people” will come to be seen in future decades as the worst decision made by a democratic government in modern times.

(DR) ANDREW WILSON Waterfront Avenue, Edinburgh It is apparent that the antics of the Westminster “team” in Brexit Phase 1, ie withdrawal, are showing up the weakness of its position. We can only propose, but the EU disposes with ease and aplomb.

Theresa May’s offer, or feeler she put out, was brushed aside as “below expectation” by Donald Tusk and the other leaders.

So No 10 will have to think again, and possibly again and await the EU response, no doubt hoping that it will be accepted.

How different from when we were “in”. We had opt-outs and concessions and a veto. Now No 10 really is holding a begging bowl! All the European Union needs to say is “think again” or “nae use” or “naw!” After invoking Article 50 the UK is de facto “out”.

It underscores the weak position Westminster is in in Brussels. In addition, the three main UK parties at Westminster are riven by different stances on Brexit and interpretations on what is “soft”, “hard” or even a “red, white and blue” Brexit with transitional stages in-between.

Jeremy Corbyn and Theresa May are united in leaving the Single Market and Customs Union despite outward differences.

So they will face clashes within their respective groupings at Westminster. MPS across all parties and within all parties are engaging with one another, even caballing!

When challenged, where will Kezia Dugdale and Ruth Davidson stand on the issue of the Single Market and Customs Union, given that Scotland and Holyrood voted to remain? Or will they fall into line? But which faction’s line will that be?

Michel Barnier stated categorically that there will be no concessions. In other words, the European Union dictates the exit and any future relationship.

All No 10 can do, whoever is PM, is either to accept or walk away with no deal, as threatened. Out means out first, and then...? That is the question!

JOHN EDGAR Gilmours Avenue, Blackford