I’m sad Britain bowed to scaremongering and lies
As a British person who has lived and worked in France and Spain thanks to the free movement of workers, Friday was a sad day for me. And not just because I consider myself European. For instance, how long will it take for the economy to recover?
The result of the referendum came about mainly because of scaremongering about immigration and downright lies. Yes, the NHS is on its knees, but leaving the EU won’t solve it.
And the UK’s housing problems stem from the banking crisis, not immigration.
People have been saying things to me such as: ‘The Leave campaign want what my grandad fought in the war for.’ But my answer to that is: ‘No, they fought to stop hateful people on the far Right preying on insecurities to create devastation.’
And yet now our nation is allowing the tide of the far Right, whose aim is to prey on insecurities, to come to power. It is a sad, sad time.
Louise Roberts, Harrogate, North Yorkshire
Perhaps now the EU will understand that so many disparate countries do not all sing to the same tune. There are bound to be discords. And maybe now they will realise that unelected people dishing out some quite ridiculous dictats should be replaced by people who know how to run empires.
Audrey Atkinson, Eastbourne
I’m devastated by the result of the referendum. Great Britain will never be the same again. Even though he has resigned, David Cameron will go down in history as one of Britain’s most successful Prime Ministers. If he is succeeded by Boris Johnson, let’s hope he can take up his mantle.
J. Bell, London
I admire the bravery of the electorate who, in the face of massive lobbying to remain part of the EU from great institutions and conglomerates, voted decisively to take back our country from the Brussels machine.
Predictably, the country has been badly let down by the SNP which, instead of presenting a united front against a vengeful European elite, has instead put its own parochial interests first. I hope that, in the weeks and months ahead, the people of Scotland who voted Remain come to their senses and accept that we are far more British than European.
John W Stephen, Dyce, Aberdeen
Maybe now we should also give freedom to Scotland, and why not Wales… let’s all go it alone.
Of course, it’s a stupid suggestion, but the result of the referendum was stupid too.
I hope all those people who voted ‘out’ realise what they have done to our wonderful country – they will repent in the years to come, I am sure.
David Porter, Bristol
Dear Britain, you welcomed me with open arms ten years ago. You made me feel immediately at home – the multiculturalism and unity was something I’d yearned for my entire life.
You let me study at your university paying the same fees as someone who was born here – after all, I was from Europe and we were all the same.
You gave me the opportunity to apply my skills in the job market and I chose to give back by working for UK charities which campaign for better housing, help vulnerable children and tackle serious health conditions.
Most importantly though, you allowed me to make friends, find the love of my life and helped me to grow as a human being. Then I woke up to the news that you no longer want someone like me here.
You thought that you’ll now be able to ‘take back your country’, get better jobs, wait less for a doctor’s appointment and get a council house without having to wait months on end. Sadly, what you’ve really voted for is an uncertain future.
Most notably, you’ve sent a strong message to the rest of Europe, and the world, that the UK is not a multicultural country, that it doesn’t value unity.
You were tricked by politicians who played into your fears with Right-wing propaganda and lies, to set themselves up for the next step of their political career.
Your choice to leave has shattered the togetherness across the country and has robbed generations to come of the opportunity of a united Europe, with all its benefits. You thought you’re wiser and better off on your own. The only thing left for me to do now is pity you.
Ramona Amoako, London
The country will need a new leader in post much sooner than October, which is when the Prime Minister has stated he will step down. A new leader by the end of July would be a better way to stabilise markets.
And after such a historic referendum, which has decided that we are heading towards being a ‘free’ nation once again, the process to leave the EU proper should begin forthwith, without further delay. What this country needs immediately is a unifying leader. How about Jacob Rees-Mogg MP?
Philip Winter, Filton, Gloucestershire
I awoke with a sense of dread on Friday but shouldn’t have doubted the will of the British bulldog spirit. For everyone who voted for Brexit to reclaim our country’s independence, thank you.
There is only one person who made the referendum possible and he should be given all due credit. Nigel Farage shook many people from their apathy and made an alternative believable and achievable. He became a thorn in the side of the same old and tired mainstream political parties, and he put the fear of God into them.
Well done, Nigel, you are an inspirational politician and I sincerely hope you will be justly rewarded by being given a Cabinet position in a reformed Conservative Government.
Goodbye, Mr Cameron. You conducted your Remain campaign with a devious and deceitful disdain for the British people.
J. Meads, Isham, Northamptonshire