Future less tense

Welcome to 2119, the centenary of the UK’S withdrawal from the EU is now part of history. In the light of subsequent political developments, celebrations were limited to a small minority of the population, whose houses were characterised by Union flags being flown at half mast.

In contrast, five years later, the vast majority of households throughout the country display the flags of the European Union, reflecting the British re-entry into the EU in 2024, following five years of economic decline, falling living standards and widespread disillusionment as the brave new world failed to materialise.

Historians refer to this period as the “wilderness years” which numerous publications try to explain as being the result of democracy at work with little supportive evidence with regard to the end product.

This consistent theme has multiple theories on how this unique “leap in the dark” persuaded a majority of voters to take a life-changing chance on their future – which was then judged a bridge too far, resulting in a demand for another referendum.

The overwhelming result in favour of rejoining the European Union was accepted – after much debate among the remaining members on the terms which should be applied to a former disruptive member.

All is well that ends well, and in 2124 centenary celebrations are held throughout all the member states now prospering as a result of 100 years of the close political and economic co-operation which has provided the strength and confidence to meet the neverending threats and challenges from organisations and countries with different ambitions. A fantasy? Let us hope not! ROBERT MITCHELL

Matthews Drive Newtongrange, Edinburgh

After a year of posturing over Brexit Theresa May’s negotiating skills are certainly suspect following her first discordant talks in Europe. The delusion of the Brexiters with their post-imperial mindset is becoming evident. Is it any wonder, around the capitals of Europe, that these British nationalists are the butt of the joke about Brexit being “British Empire 2”.

However, on the first anniversary of the EU referendum there is hope when three party leaders are in concord with their visions of the UK’S future with Europe. Nicola Sturgeon and Jeremy Corbyn have agreed that Scotland should have a direct say in the Brexit talks, while Ruth Davidson has said “we must make it clear to Europeans who have made Britain their home that they aren’t just needed here – they’re welcome too”.

The obvious danger is that with the drastic downturn of qualified EU citizens seeking work in the UK, along with many now returning to Europe, chaos may result in the public sector, to the economic detriment of Britain.

Following the snap general election, Nicola Sturgeon has called for all the UK’S devolved administrations to be consulted before further July negotiations take place in Europe. The FM added: “The UK government must now recognise the reality of devolution and meet its constitutional obligations.”

GRANT FRAZER Cruachan, Newtonmore

I’d like to know how the First Minister can honestly complain about a “Brexit effect” on Scotland. The Scottish economy has been teetering on recession since before the Brexit vote. It’s underperforming compared to the UK average. Both consumer spending and business confidence is lower than the UK. Wages are still lower than they were a decade ago.

Since the Edinburgh agreement was signed in 2012, Scotland has been suffering from a pernicious indyref effect, which, at a minimum has been compounded by Brexit.

At the insistence of the SNP this indyref effect could last up to a generation, despite the fact that the issue was democratically resolved in 2014.

Most people are now getting on with their lives, even if they didn’t vote for Brexit. Most political parties have also accepted that some form of Brexit will occur rather than campaigning for another referendum on the EU.

Such acceptance, sensible politics and reconciliation has never really occurred in Scotland, much to our detriment.

DAVID BONE Ailsa Street West Girvan, South Ayrshire

Dr Charles Wardrop tells us that “profound pessimism” about Brexit is now “surely unwarranted” (Letters, 27 June). This trivialises the worries of Remainers. Perhaps Dr Wardrop is unaware that the pound has fallen since the referendum, due to the pessimism in money markets about Britain’s future trading success.

Is he aware that the predictable slide in the pound is now making business fearful (and less inclined to plan investment decisions) because the domestic market is now tougher as consumers row back on spending?

Is he aware that a major fall in incoming European skilled workers and European investment could handicap some of our best firms and also major government infrastructure projects, such as the muchtrumpeted railways developments?

Is he aware that our industries have poor productivity and that we may find that we go into new trade deals at a disadvantage with our weakened industrial base and reduced business confidence?

Is he aware that many financial services need more than just passporting rights to do well in Europe after we leave, and that the World Trade Organisation does not deal effectively with trade deals

involving services? Is he aware that leading representatives from industry are very worried about the unrealistic optimism of Brexiteers?

I don’t mind being proved wrong by people disputing such concerns effectively, but we must all try to row back on propaganda for the good of the country.

ANDREW VASS Corbiehill Place, Edinburgh While governments set trade rules and tariffs, it is private firms which actually carry out the trading and produce revenue and employment for the country in which they work.

If the trade terms are not realistic then companies are not going to be able to export. Where these firms are foreign owned, as with the car industry, transferring production to other countries is a satisfactory solution from their point of view. Where it is services, especially financial services, the growth in electronic communications means that the base country is no longer as important. Banking, architectural services and other professional services can be based anywhere.

Theresa May and her four “Donkeys of the Apocalypse” seem to be going back to some sort of 19th-century imperialism whereby they expect countries to take shoddy British goods at inflated prices. The reality is that the Pacific Rim, South America and the major economic powers like China and India already have plenty of trade deals.

The country is being dragged down by a few politicians who sold the country a false premise a year ago to satisfy their own xenophobia. BRUCE D SKIVINGTON Pairc a Ghliob

Strath Gairloch, Wester Ross On Sunday’s Andrew Marr Show, when Brexit secretary David Davis was asked what he thought of EU chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier, he replied: “He’s very French.” Does that make Davis “very English”– smug, arrogant and delusional about his power and authority?

BILL DREW Belvedere, Cairn Road

Kirriemuir, Angus