Brexit a sad abdication of our place in Europe

THIS letter may serve as a small contribution to counterbalance the spin we’re getting from those who wish to persuade us that the Brexit deal is a good one.

I am filled with sadness as the end of the month approaches.

For me, Brexit is a humiliation. We have voted to become poorer, more insular and less welcoming to newcomers, opting out of the global struggle for influence and indulging in pointless nostalgia.

The European Union is the world’s best example of former enemies working together to solve their problems through discussion and compromise.

The EU is a huge economic success story. Trade among EU nations has tripled since the launch of the Single Market – to almost €2.5 trillion a year. Nowhere on the planet do so many people live so well. Firms benefit from tariff-free access, consumers get great choice and good prices. Workers can circulate freely.

Europe is full of diverse cultures, rich in ideas, but the nations of the EU share common values. They are among the forefront in defending human rights, democracy and the rule of law; they stand for market economies with a strong social safety net; they support just, pluralist, secular societies. Despite their diversity, European nations are each other’s closest friends and allies. I have always been happy as a Welsh European and am grateful for the bold steps that have been taken to protect the environment, workers’ rights and to ensure safer goods.

There are millions like me who won’t be celebrating. The only solace I can take is that we now have a strong pro-Europe movement in the UK. I sincerely hope that the younger generation will help consolidate this movement.

Phil Mostert Harlech, Gwynedd