Brexit united front
The UK held a referendum on EU membership. The result was a majority in favour of leaving. The government’s responsibility is to carry out the wishes of the British people. Talks have begun with the EU negotiators, with our government committed to getting the best possible deal for Britain. Surely we should be presenting some sort of united front in trying to achieve a favourable outcome?
I despair when we see Sturgeon and Corbyn trotting over to Brussels to undermine the UK by telling the EU officials how much they disagree with our official negotiating team and meanwhile Vince Cable tells us how the Liberals are going to give the Tories a hard time on the Repeal Bill. Easy to say from someone who is never likely to have to implement policies in the real world.
Do these people have any idea of how to do a deal or would they just give in to all the Brussels demands and conditions without a whimper?
I suppose it would be too much to ask other parties to get behind the government to try and make the best of the situation, because in Brussels they must be having a “right laugh” and looking forward to a walkover.
JAMES LETHAM Hatchednize, Coldstream So Nicola Sturgeon flew to Brussels for her Kodak moment with EU Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, despite heading a purely domestic administration. Recasting Project Fear, she claims the Great Repeal Bill will diminish Holyrood’s authority, ignoring Scottish Secretary David Mundell reiterating that a raft of new legislation will transfer from the EU via Westminster to Holyrood.
Ms Sturgeon’s response is to try to derail the Great Repeal Bill – this sounds like tough talking, though it is merely hollow rhetoric. As she must realise, the Sewell Convention makes clear it’s not absolutely necessary for Westminster to seek Holyrood’s approval when legislating on devolved matters.
While complaining that legislation will not be ultimately devolved to Holyrood from Brussels, the SNP leader adheres to her intention that an independent Scotland should attempt to join the EU – and, as a consequence, return all the legislation to Brussels.
As usual, Ms Sturgeon’s politics of grievance lead her – however tortuously – to the conclusion that partitioning the UK remains the answer to every perceived problem in Scotland. No surprises there, then.
MARTIN REDFERN Merchiston Gardens, Edinburgh