It’s time for a People’s Vote

Dear Editor

Now is the time for cool heads and measured language in the Brexit debate.

Those of us who voted remain have to acknowledge that the referendum was lost.

Among those who won were many who have real grievances against a society which failed to bring them the advantages of globalisation.

They are legitimately frustrated by the length of time it is taking to negotiate our exit from the European Union.

But there are good reasons why that exit is difficult.

In my view, the two and a half years which have passed since the referendum have increasingly brought to light the benefits of our membership of the EU.

Not only has the EU kept peace in Europe since 1945, but, by removing all hindrances to crossing between north and south, it created the necessary conditions for peace in Ireland.

The single market and the customs union create jobs by giving us direct access to the largest group of our trading partners and to the many other countries with which the EU has trade treaties.

Within the European Union our influence in the world is stronger because we form a bridge between the EU and the USA.

The future of our finest scientific research depends on EU cooperation and funding and on the free flow of scientists.

Citizenship of the European Union gives our pensioners the right to live in Europe and our children and grand-children the right to work there.

Theresa May is to be applauded for her attempts to preserve as many as possible of these benefits.

But as she famously said, ‘Brexit means Brexit’. It is not undemocratic to ask for a People’sVote.

After two and a half years we are entitled to ask whether, in the light of all we have learned since 2016, the British people wish to confirm their view or to change their minds.

Alastair Duncan Bridge of Allan