Vote for what?

Has the case for a People’s Vote on the outcome of the negotiations on UK exit from the European Union been properly thought through?

Christine Jardine MP may celebrate a large demonstration in London calling for people to be consulted on the matter. But the estimated three-quarters of a million supporters of the idea who took to the streets still pales into insignificance alongside the 17m-plus electors who voted to leave the EU in a poll which engaged nearly three quarters of all British voters.

What exactly are the objectives of People’s Voters? Do

the organisers want another ballot on the general principle of membership? Do they want a vote on the scenario that might emerge in the event of No Deal in the protracted negotiations? Or do they want a vote on the deal that just might be struck in the coming weeks?

Some of the main protagonists for another poll are even talking about preferential voting 1,2,3 for the various outcomes. I can hardly think of a greater recipe for confusion and national division.

Some of the rhetoric of those who support such a course is still tinged with condescension. In June 2016, the people were misinformed, they argue, or couldn’t understand the scale of the step they were being asked to take.

It would actually be wonderful if everyone who ever takes part in an election or a referendum was fully conversant with all aspects of the arguments. That is not the real world. Politicians do have to cope with the prejudices and feelings of the voters, whatever their motives. There are all sorts of dangers for democracy if our representatives cannot accept the result of one of the largest plebiscites in the UK since universal suffrage was introduced.

BOB TAYLOR Shiel Court, Glenrothes