Remainers allowed freedom of speech

I wholeheartedly endorse the criticisms by Nigel Jones and Geoff Andrews of a recent letter by Mr D. Workman. To me, even more distasteful than the letter’s jingoistic and xenophobic tone,was Mr Workman’s use of his right to free speech to advocate denial of the same right to anyone with whom he disagrees, in this case Wera Hobhouse. Unfortunately, hypocrisy has been a frequent feature of pronouncements by Leave voters since the referendum. Their oft-repeated talismans are of course: democracy, ’the will of the people,’ sovereignty, and, control of our borders (particularly in respect of immigration,of course). Yet the will of the people at the general election before a proposed referendum was announced,was to choose a majority of MPS who supported remaining in the EU. If the Commons had opted for a Parliamentary vote on the issue, instead of a referendum,the chaos of the last two and a half years would have been avoided. Leavers have also been highly selective in their approach to the principle of ‘sovereignty.’ For instance,when Gina Miller brought a court case to test its power within Parliament (and won), Brexiters were outraged. It is now widely recognised that the benefits of immigration to this country heavily outweigh any disadvantages. Workers from abroad make vital contributions to the NHS, the care sector, the construction industry, farming and hospitality. Employers in all those sectors fear they will not be able to find enough workers after Britain leaves the EU. Demonstrably,the Brexiters holy icons have proved worthless. What else do they have to offer? Richard Olver Address supplied