Britain’s decision to leave the European Union has given real choice back to the voters
SIR – It’s a relief that we have voted to leave the European Union.
We can now restore democracy to our own Parliament, make our own laws, hire and fire our elected representatives, control our borders and keep our own money to spend on the British people.
Let’s make June 23 our own Independence Day bank holiday, which we can celebrate every year. Mark Richards Brighton, East Sussex
SIR – “Rejoice!” Jeffrey Elder Shrivenham, Oxfordshire
SIR – Those who underestimate the British people do so at great peril to themselves. Adrian Lloyd-Edwards Dartmouth, Devon
SIR – Britain has made up its mind. I hope that we, the voters, take serious note of the cynical, arrogant disdain with which politicians on both sides of the argument treated the public during the referendum campaign.
To call it a debate would be to devalue that word. Whether peddling an anachronistic idea of “Great Britain”, which fails to recognise our real place and influence in the world, or seeking to frighten us about everything from the cost of living to pensions, campaigners presented both sides of the argument through hype and confrontation.
Will people reflect and see the damage this campaign has done to individual politicians, parties and their credibility? I hope so – but my fear is that confrontational personality politics rather than collective interest may continue to triumph. Stuart Vere London SW19
SIR – There were many reasons why voters chose Brexit. One was the inability of the Remain campaign to articulate a simple, unifying and compelling message.
Those who now step into political leadership roles must ensure that the country does not descend into the trend of nationalist thinking emerging throughout Europe.
We need a clear vision for the UK, not least for the younger voters who mostly voted for Remain. John H Stephen Bisley, Gloucestershire
SIR – The voters have spoken. Many who spoke also elected David Cameron as Prime Minister last year on his policies and promises.
Mr Cameron made the fundamental mistake of failing to stand above the battle, awaiting the decision of the people. He has diminished his stature and let down those who trusted him.
However, his resignation now is a mistake, as is his creation of a further period of uncertainty – something that is certainly not in this country’s interests. Peter J Lyons Barnstaple, Devon
SIR – I am sorry to hear Mr Cameron, one of the best prime ministers this country has had, talking about standing down in October.
His views on staying in the EU were strong – and I admired him for them, even though I also voted to leave.
We need a strong leader to take us into the unknown, and he has the experience required. Terence J Burchell Norwich
SIR – The fallout from the referendum has been just as dramatic and, indeed, traumatic as many predicted; and through Mr Cameron’s resignation I believe we have lost an exceptional Prime Minister and a committed public servant. Meanwhile, the Labour
Party could vote to ditch Jeremy Corbyn as early as next week – but removing him will not fix Labour’s problem.
More than anything, the referendum showed how out of step Labour is with its traditional voters – particularly in the North East and the Midlands. Indeed, it was the surprise strength of Leave in these areas which ultimately determined the result.
And, tepid though Mr Corbyn was throughout the referendum campaign, he cannot be blamed for scores of Labour MPs, local associations and activist bases so fundamentally misjudging the concerns of the people they are supposed to represent.
Until Labour recognises this, no amount of leadership musical chairs will solve its problems. Cllr Susan Hall Leader, Harrow Council Conservative Group
SIR – Those who are feeling sickest must be the naturally Eurosceptic Tory MPs who lacked the courage of their convictions and campaigned against their consciences out of a misplaced sense of self-preservation.
Many have since discovered that they voted against the prevailing view of their constituents. Robert Willock Dubai, United Arab Emirates
SIR – In the aftermath of the referendum, and amid the ensuing jockeying for plaudits by Leave members of the Tory party, let us not forget one thing: Nigel Farage’s success in securing almost four million votes for Ukip in the last general election was the catalyst that forced Mr Cameron into conceding an EU referendum.
During the course of the referendum debates, Mr Farage has been vilified by the most senior members of all political parties, including the Prime Minister and the Chancellor. That he did not retaliate in similar fashion, and in fact showed the statesman-like qualities so sadly lacking in his critics, is a mark of the man. We owe him a debt of gratitude. Dave I’Anson Liverpool
SIR – The EU will make an example of us, to discourage the others who are thinking of leaving.
They will block us out of financial services, and everything else where we export more to them than we import from them.
How will we explain this decision to our grandchildren? Adrian Oliver Caterham, Surrey
SIR – When updating our home, we expect some initial expense and disorder as we strip out what is of little use, knowing it will lead to a building tailored to our needs. The referendum result provides us with similar exciting opportunities. Brian Christley Abergele, Conwy
SIR – It seems that Remain supporters feel the older generation has influenced the vote and are thinking of themselves instead of the interests of their children and grandchildren.
Nothing could be further from the truth. Senior citizens who voted to leave the EU did so in the knowledge that they would suffer a lot of the short-term downsides – a reduction in their asset values, and the possible curbing of their pensions.
In spite of these expected outcomes, they made their decision to vote Leave on the basis that it was the right way for Britain.
Just because of our age, we are not short-sighted. We have the benefit of experience and we have faith in British people and companies to adapt to a new regime.
I am quite confident that future generations will thank us for sticking to our guns in spite of all the scare stories and opinions of experts. Basil Mitchell Warrington, Cheshire
SIR – I look forward to the additional contribution of £350 million per week (in real terms) to the NHS budget.
Let’s, for once, agree now what the figures were before the referendum and bring to task those in authority who promised this windfall if they fail to deliver.
Lest we are tempted to forget what the figures are, I would suggest that they are painted on the side of a bus to be parked in Parliament Square. Alan Corcoran Godalming, Surrey
SIR – As expected, Nicola Sturgeon is using the Brexit result to trigger a second Scottish referendum.
She would do well to heed the warning from Wolfgang Schäuble, the German finance minister, to the UK: “Out is out.” In light of the price of oil (which I believe is a resource of longterm declining value) and the very generous Barnett formula, the risks to Scotland have greatly increased since the last Scottish referendum. Gerry Doyle Liverpool
SIR – The Scots’ attitude to the outcome of the referendum seems inconsistent.
They object to democratically elected government from Westminster, but then want to be subjected to government by the EU – where democracy, let alone Scottish representation, is notable for its absence. Basil Dewing Malvern, Worcestershire
SIR – Edinburgh has for long been described as the Athens of the North. I fear that, like Greece, it will be heading downward financially if it remains in the EU and Ms Sturgeon supports adopting the euro.
I am sad because I have lived in Edinburgh and have a great many friends there. There are a number of high-level businesses. My pensions are paid by an Edinburgh company. Simon Edsor London SW1
SIR – One clear beneficiary from the Brexit vote is Russia.
A diminished and weakened EU, uncertainty about Nato, the looming prospect of the UK breaking up, the possibly of the rest of the EU falling apart as other nations call for referendums – these things have strengthened Vladimir Putin’s hand.
Indeed, Russia may have been relatively quiescent lately because it was hoping for this result. The future may now be far less pleasant than the rejoicing Leavers suppose. Dr Marek Laskiewicz London W6
SIR – In the wake of Brexit, the EU could well fall apart. That would cause turmoil in Europe, at least in the shortto medium-term.
Considering the triple threats of Putin, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, and the possible American disengagement from Europe in the event of a Trump presidency, you don’t have to be a great fan of the EU to feel this couldn’t be happening at a worse time.
However, there is another possibility. With Britain gone, the EU may become more integrated and more German-led than it is now.
Despite the institution’s obvious flaws, countries are still queuing up to join – and, as the Germans will effectively be bankrolling the EU, I think it is likely that they would demand an increasing say in the way it is run. William Cook Blandford, Dorset
SIR – An email that I received early on Friday from a dear Swedish friend said it all: “What you have done will mean so much for so many, and gives us all hope that democracy will survive and is stronger than all those who wish to control us. Thank you.” Christopher Garratt Pershore, Worcestershire
SIR – Some five million UK citizens live outside of the UK, about 1.3 million of them in Europe. Many live outside the UK simply because it is affordable. Spending more than six months each year outside the UK can result in a person being categorised as an ex-pat.
In this age of almost instant worldwide communications and information, not one of the five million need be ignorant of domestic affairs. Their loyalty is not open to question. Indeed, they probably have a wider and more balanced view of pertinent matters.
The Government has declared, however, that after 15 years they are not entitled to a vote.
Without this inalienable right, there is no democracy. John Bryant Valence-sur-Baïse, Gers, France
SIR – Now that we are leaving the EU, will I be able to buy soluble mosskill for my lawns?
This has disappeared over the past few months, presumably at the behest of Eurocrats. It works much better than granules. Robin Nonhebel Swanage, Dorset
SIR – Now let’s win Euro 2016. Dr John Doherty Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire