YP Letters: EU vote was democracy in action

ALEC Denton of Guiseley (The Yorkshire Post, July 4) says that he is shocked that the result of the referendum is made on the basis of a simple majority. There could be no other way. It was a simple Remain or Leave option, with the 52 per cent for leave being the democratic result.

To me, the chance of having a vote that counted was a great pleasure. In General Elections, my vote has no value. I am in a constituency where there is a massive Labour majority, and that won’t change. I don’t have a political allegiance and vote on the issues and politicians of the day, but it frustrates me that whatever I vote means nothing, whereas votes made in marginal constituencies are important and do count.

I believe the three main reasons for people not voting are: 1) apathy; 2) unhappiness with our politicians; and 3) believing their vote has no value.

Whatever the reason, I am sure more votes would be cast in a proportional representation scenario, with the voters accepting that their votes do count.

From: David Butcher, Bence Lane, Darton, Barnsley.

FOR the first time in 53 years (I am now 71), I failed to vote. On the morning of the poll, my wife and I agreed that this was an issue which should be decided by young people, so we did not vote. My daughter, who is a bit of an Emmeline Pankhurst and also a “Remain” supporter, berated us for not voting. What your columnist Grant Woodward glosses over is the fact that the young, if they had been mindful, could have carried the vote. There are enough of them, but they had to be exhorted to sign up to vote then crashed the computer because they waited until the last minute to do so.

From: DM Loxley, Hartoft, Pickering.

IN the 1960s, we used to blame all our ills on the effects of nuclear weapons testing in the Pacific. In the 1980s we were blaming the effects of climate change.

It is now manifestly noticeable that blame is being heaped upon the ‘effects’ of Brexit. Why is it that the British actively seek to lay blame upon someone or something remote from themselves?

From: Andy Connell, Mill Hill, Appleby-in-Westmorland.

IN my 70th year, I am embarrassed to see so many self-serving letters from people of pensionable age peevishly seeking to rationalise the irrationality of their Brexit 
votes.

For Leave voters to boast that they knew what was in the interests of younger voters better than they did themselves is particularly patronising and wrong-headed.

From: Mr SB Oliver, Churchill Grove, Heckmondwike.

IN the days since the referendum, we have heard numerous sob-stories from various Remain supporters, many of whom are now calling for another vote or some form of veto or annulment.

The arrogance and denial of the democratic process by senior politicians (and others) is quite astonishing.

It reminds me of the perennial bad-loser gambler who always tries the “double or quits” line after losing.

From: Les Arnott, Athelstan Road, Sheffield.

I AM fed up of listening to Remainists who will not shut up. You lost – get used to it and stop trying to subvert democracy. We have a new future to build.

We have had to live your dystopian nightmare for over 40 years – now perhaps we might have a chance to undo some of the damage.

At the moment, the negotiators could well come just from a divided Tory party. I warn the Tories: fail to do this job and Ukip won’t just be targeted Labour seats in the North at the 2020 election.

From: John Wilkinson, Bateman Road, Rotherham.

THE public can be reassured that a thoroughly researched multi-stage EU exit plan 
exists.

This enables a phased, safe and economically neutral exit from the EU using a Norway type of option, but as an interim measure only.

This has something to offer both sides of the argument and will save valuable time during the two year period allowed under Article 50 for negotiations to be completed.

From: Dr Roberts Heys, Chair, Ryburn Liberal Democrats, Bar Lane, Sowerby Bridge.

IN marked contrast to recent Press reports of internal conflict in the Conservative and Labour parties, I can state that the Liberal Democrats under Tim Farron are united in their support of the UK’s membership of the EU which we believe to be in the best interest of continued peace and prosperity in the continent.

From: Phyllis Capstick, Hellifield, Skipton.

IT doesn’t make sense that David Cameron should resign as Prime Minister and yet Theresa May, who also wanted us to stay in the EU, should put herself forward to be the next leader of the Conservative Party and thus Prime Minister.

The captain has abandoned the ship because he didn’t like the democratic decision of the people. What about the passengers? Does he care? Does he really care about he people of this country and their wishes?

From: R Martin Downs, Main Street, Linton-on-Ouse, York.

THE result could, if we let it, leave us free to make a more fair Britain, starting with better quality MPs who have had a responsible job in the cut and thrust world of business instead of being a professional politician with no idea of what the average working man/woman has to deal with.

From: Dave Croucher, Pinfold Gardens, Doncaster.

THIS referendum outcome is the fault of the EU bullying and uncompromising negotiations. Its house of cards is falling down, there will be many of the EU countries calling for their own exit vote. This is all down to Angela Merkel, Francois Hollande and Europe’s inflexibility.