YP Letters: Time for the Irish to join us in Brexit

THE Irish people and their government must surely be dismayed at the potential threats of Brexit to their economy, in no way a dilemma of their own making.

At present Ireland and the UK have an excellent trading agreement. However, this new situation again demonstrates how the EU seaweed fouls up yet another propeller, threatening to strangle a good relationship with its mass of unbending regulation and wearying authority, but why should this confusion be inevitable?

Today Irish trade with the UK far exceeds their trade with anyone else including the EU, their economy now being successful enough to be a net contributor to the European Union. Unlike the UK, Ireland has had its referendum overturned, something this fiercely independent people are unlikely to forget. This could be a powerful moment for Ireland’s future, they’ve seen how little difference Brexit has made to the UK economy. What a moment it might be were Ireland to announce another referendum, and what a bargaining chip that might be?

From: Nick Martinek, Briarlyn Road, Huddersfield.

THE Remain establishment is still tying itself in knots trying to fool us with a fake Brexit.

We know that leaving the EU means no control by the EU, no control by EU courts, no control by EU institutions, no payments to the EU, simply trading under WTO rules, or a free trade deal if one is agreed. It’s not that difficult a concept even for the Remainers to grasp. The Remainers suffered an unexpected shock when they were defeated at the referendum. They don’t really understand how or why, and they make no attempt to do so, still thinking “fear and sneer” will do it. Refusing to accept the democratic result with good grace is a serious mistake. The Remainers should remember that democracy is regime change without a civil war.

From: D Wood, Howden.

JOHN Cole (The Yorkshire Post, August 16) has really lost the plot in his latest rant against Brexit.

Despite George Osborne’s predictions, the stock market has broken its all-time high on at least four occasions since the referendum. So not much sign of the economy collapsing!

And house prices continue to rise. World War Three hasn’t started yet, and as neither North Korea or the United States are in the EU, Brexit can not be blamed if it does. He then finishes with the most undemocratic and stupid remark anyone could make “the June 2016 result does not deserve to be respected”.

Does this man not realise that to ignore this democratic vote would destroy democracy in this country forever?

From: David Collins, Scissett.

FROM what I have read, we import more from the EU then we export to them. If this is the case, we should be asking what deal they will offer in terms of a rebate to keep us trading with them. Oh, that it were that simple. But...

Legion must think again

From: Elisabeth Baker, Leeds.

AS a member of the Royal British Legion, I was disappointed to read (The Yorkshire Post, August 16) of the heavy-handed attitude of the RBL over Christine Langham registering two names containing the word Poppy, and decorating her lorry – at her own expense – with depictions of poppies and of British fighting troops during the two world wars. All this was done in order to raise the profile of the RBL and to raise funds for this very worthy cause.

Perhaps this lady was unwise not to contact the Legion before acting as she did, but not everybody is aware of such niceties. If she had done so, she could have become an official fundraiser and could have worked hand-in-hand with the charity. But threatening her with legal action will have done nothing to enhance the image of the RBL. Maybe the adverse publicity which the RBL is now receiving will persuade them to approach Ms Langham with a peace treaty, and accept her very generous offers to raise funds.

Museum visit Monday blues

From: Mrs Susan Melbourne, Manston Gardens, Crossgates.

THE other Monday, my 13-year-old grandson and I decided to have a trip into Leeds to visit the museum to brighten up what was a grey, dull morning. On arrival – shut.

We then walked over to the art gallery – shut.

It was very disappointing, seeing as Leeds is now a major city, and people come from all over the world to see our places of interest, even on a Monday at the height of the holiday period.

Facing up to an ugly truth?

From: E Firth, Wellington Street, Wilsden.

THE world calls the British its ugliest people, but why? What’s responsible for this? Is it genes? Climate? Diet? Lifestyle? Or dress?

As I look around at my countrymen and women I see poor skin, bad teeth, unhealthy, rather miserable-looking people all with poor dress sense.

People with no sparkle but grey skin and dull eyes. They need to get out in the fresh air a lot more.

I lived in Western Australia for eight years, a recent survey rated them the best looking people; they spend a lot of time on beaches swimming and surfing, they’re also sports mad.

Wake up Britain, you’re in a hell of a mess. Must get out more.

Older drivers Lords of road

From: Robert Holman, Marsden Court, Farsley.

ONCE again, we have letters having a go at older drivers. The average age of the House of Lords is far in excess of 72 years old, and they are more than capable to drive our country forward with their vast experience.