Leadership, please

Many politicians and letterwriters argue for a second referendum on Brexit, some to test public opinion on the terms of Brexit, others to stop it altogether.

Now Nigel Farage, tongue in his sceptical cheek, says he might be convinced of the benefit of a second referendum, although he quickly denies he really meant it.

In Scotland we have had two divisive referendum results that sizeable minorities refuse to accept, citing misleading campaigning as well as selecting portions of the total vote to try to demonstrate a majority or otherwise looking to opinion poll results to show that they might win a rerun.

A referendum is a blunt instrument that should be used sparingly and with great care. The process draws out the worst in people, polarising opinion towards more extreme positions and overly simplifying complex issues.

Much damage can be done in getting a result, and unless the outcome delivers 60 per cent or more support to one side, the other is tempted to think one more push could win the upper hand.

I have been on the ‘winning’ side of an independence referendum in Scotland and on the ‘losing’ side of the United Kingdom’s European Union referendum. Yet given the aftermath of both, we all appear to be suffering.

Please, politicians, show some real leadership and work with the results delivered to you in everyone’s interat ests, rather than resorting yet again to a referendum process that can so easily do more harm than good.

KEITH HOWELL West Linton, Peeblesshire