A competitive UK terrifies the EU

SIR, – There appears to be a lot of misunderstanding (Letters, June 16) about Brexit. First, it was voted for in a UK-wide referendum and then confirmed by the recent general election.

After marathon debates in Parliament, a majority of our elected leaders voted, finally, to leave. That’s how our democracy works. Something I had to accept although I voted Remain.

According to recent reports there appear to be two main stumbling blocks to securing a Canadian-style deal. Namely, fishing and the so-called level playing field.

Fishing equates to something like 0.15% of our GDP but in terms of sovereignty it is huge for obvious reasons – especially for Scotland. With regard to a level playing field, it is all to do with shackling us to the myriad EU rules and regulations which most of the countries flout – especially

corporation tax, of which Ireland and the Netherlands are perfect examples.

Clearly, a competitive UK on their doorstep terrifies them, yet the US had no such qualms with Canada and Mexico with their new trillion-dollar trade agreement, without a fiscal and political union.

Having said that, both “sides” are on the ropes due to coronavirus and let us hope it may just be the catalyst to find an equitable solution.

Ian Lakin, Murtle Den Road, Aberdeen

some cases, mandatory. It is not surprising that the public at large are a little confused as the advice being given continually changes.

Dennis Forbes Grattan, Mugiemoss Road, Aberdeen