LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Time to ditch this ‘dog’s Brexit’ of a deal

Madam, – As we near the day when Scotland will be dragged out of the EU despite all our constituencies voting to remain, it might be interesting to note that the Leave vote was approximately 17.4 million, and Remain 16.1m. The total population of the UK is approximately 66.8m, of which 33.5m voted.

In an earlier referendum on independence in Scotland, the nonvoters were classed as acquiescent to the status quo. If the same rules applied now then millions of voters were supportive of staying in the EU.

While the EU is not perfect, the best way to change it is to stay in and persuade other dissenting nations, of which there are some, that reforms are needed.

for the Leave side, it seemed to me that the best way forward was for a ‘soft Brexit’.

That surely meant the closest possible trading arrangements with the EU whilst retaining UK control of both laws and borders.

In a difficult negotiation, indeed the walking of a political highwire, that is broadly what Prime Minister Theresa May managed to get from Brussels.

She has failed, however, to look round all the political corners.

She allowed her detractors– that uneasy coalition of Scottish

The UK has in the past asked for, and been given, more concessions than any other member.

Our response now is to throw the toys out” and go off in the huff.

Phrases such as “Brexit means Brexit” or “delivering on the mandate of the 2016 referendum” can’t seem to solve the impasse in Westminster just now.

Our prime minister is trying to force through

Nationalists, hard line Ulster unionists, middle England 18th Century romantics and die hard Remainers on the Labour side - to seize the initiative.

They are united only in the sense that they have no coherent alternative to what she has put forward.

As a result, we may all be asked again to vote in European elections in May which might add to even further confusion.

Supporting a slightly amended version of her deal is a way of ending uncertainty for business and those European citizens who have made the same deal, which has already been rejected by record defeats, in the hope the threat of no Brexit might persuade some dissenters to change their mind and support this “dogs Brexit” of a deal.

In all this May-hem, Scotland is continually being ignored, with our MP’S shouted down. Graham Smith.

135 Charles Avenue, Arbroath.

their homes here.

We won’t end debate about what Scotland and Britain will look like outside the EU.

But we’ll at least have an idea of where we are, and a chance to restore the reputation of parliament and the political system.

Bob Taylor.

24 Shiel Court, Glenrothes.