YP Letters: Leave failed to set out any Brexit plan

YOUR correspondent L Brook (The Yorkshire Post, July 14), like most Brexiteers, appears not to accept the outcome of the EU referendum by insisting that 
it was a decisive mandate for a hard Ukip-style Brexit.

As he says, we were offered a choice with two options only, to leave or remain in the EU. It didn’t mention anything about future trading relations with the EU, and, as we are leaving the EU, I am at a bit of a loss as to why he appears unable to understand the question.

In the Government’s White Paper, Theresa May appears to be seeking a solution which reflects the voting patterns in both the EU referendum and subsequent 2017 General Election, but which however seems to suit nether side.

Rather than attacking Theresa May, disgruntled Leave voters should vent their anger at the Leave politicians who failed to set out a vision during the referendum campaign as to what Leave would actually mean.

Either it was because they did not know, or thought that it might be unpalatable to the electorate.

From: Alan Chapman, Beck Lane, Bingley.

JUSTINE Greening, the former Education Secretary, moves the Establishment’s plan to scupper the will of the people a bold step nearer by publicly demanding a second referendum (Andrew Vine, The Yorkshire Post, July 17).

With a very Machiavellian tactic of moving from a two question to a three question referendum, it is exactly what Remain need to win. Only a single question to Remain but two alternative Leave questions to split the Leave vote.

The UK voted to Leave, that should stay sacrosanct. If any referendum should be held only two questions – do we leave with (a) the deal on offer or (b) no deal, paying no money.

I voted Leave and oppose a second referendum.

From: Ken Cooke, Ilkley.

YOUR correspondent JA King (The Yorkshire Post, July 16) asks why Canada, Australia and New Zealand manage so well outside the EU.

Well, it is because they are members of respective regional trade agreements. Countries do most trade with near neighbours. It’s only natural, and saves a lot on freight: just like we are members of the EU, permitting frictionless trade and benefits for all members.

Those same countries also have negotiated arrangements with the EU, though not in a customs union. In fact, the EU has agreements with 60 non-member countries, which is why the UK already trades with every significant country in the world.

One has to feel sorry for Canada right now as Donald Trump’s “America First” policy is slapping tariffs on their exports.

Brexiteers would have us leave the EU for more dependency on the US. Not me, thank you very much. That is another very good reason for remaining in the EU.

Stop Brexit!

A snip above the others

From: Roger Backhouse, Orchard Road, Upper Poppleton, York.

LORD Carrington made an honorable resignation over the Falklands invasion, though he was not to blame. As Tom Richmond rightly points out (The Yorkshire Post, July 14), his behaviour was considerably more principled than today’s petty squabblers in the Conservative ranks.

In private life Lord Carrington was also a keen gardener. I will always recall his excellent and succinct advice on gardening: “Never go in the garden without your secateurs.”

Definitely advice to follow!

Driven out by moaning

From: Hugh Rogers, Messingham Road, Ashby.

MY family roots are in Yorkshire – Halifax and Hull if you want to know – but I am becoming increasingly ashamed of my heritage when, in the paper, day after day, I read nowt but grumbles and grouses writ large.

The chief culprits seem to be those I call “Yorkshire’s metro-socialists”. Moaning minnies to a man.

Nothing, but nothing, is ever right for them. I have already sought asylum south of the Humber – perhaps I should now apply for citizenship of my adopted county and forget all about my ancestral roots, of which I was once so proud.

No medals yet for team

From: Barry Crowther, Minstead Avenue, Elland.

I, ALONG, with many others, became giddy and got carried away last week when we were just one game away from appearing in the World Cup final.

The path was clear, but alas it was not to be.

This is not sour grapes, 
Croatia were the better side. It was probably a blessing in disguise because it might have been an embarrassment had we come up against France in the final.

Please nobody suggest that these boys deserve CBEs or whatever, we have a very bad habit of rewarding failure in this country in all walks of life.

Cup by Royal command?

From: Nigel Boddy, Fife Road, Darlington.

WE have a Commonwealth Games and an Olympic Games. We have a football World Cup. Why is here no Commonwealth Football Cup?

Perhaps the Duke of Cambridge and the Duke of Sussex would like to organise one?