Brexit has turned into the British exit from civilised debate – the sooner we do away with it, the better

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There’s been a great deal of debate about precisely what it is that Brexit means, but it seems that it is now finally becoming clear: Brexit means the British exit from the world stage – making ourselves into a global irrelevance.

From the scenes on our streets and in parliament, Brexit also appears to mean the British exit from civilised debate.

Beyond that, it now represents the British exit from international standards for food safety, animal welfare, employment rights and, indeed, human rights.

It’s the exit from overseas investment in our country, stifling innovation, an exit from the chance to be a part of international undertakings.

From losing out on global manufacturing processes to negatively impacting employment and travel opportunities both abroad and at home, Brexit has and will prevent us from having any influence beyond our own shores.

In short, it is the British exit from what is becoming an increasingly open world.

Brexit means the British exit from all of this and more.

From the perspective of the rest of the world, it means, “sayonara Britain”. And that’s why we need our elected representatives to give the British public another chance to consider the choice.

Julian Self
Wolverton

May and Cameron must take responsibility

It’s time for all of us to accept that we can’t undo what has been done and we can’t go back to where we were before the referendum. Even a people’s vote can’t achieve this as the damage to the economy, relationships and our reputation both at home and abroad is done.

All we can do is live with whatever deal finally emerges in the certain knowledge that it will be worse than what we had previously and future generations will have to pay the price.

However, we must remember who got us into this calamitous position and why.

The two referendums both called by David Cameron had a common aim – to strengthen the Conservative Party, firstly in Scotland with the aim of destroying Labour and Liberal Democrats north of the border.

Buoyed by this success, he called the second referendum across the UK aimed at destroying Ukip and placating Tory Eurosceptics.

We should also recognise Theresa May’s role – it was her determination to exclude parliament that has done severe damage to the cohesion and fabric of this country.

It is our duty to ensure the young are made aware of who did this to them so we can ensure that the Conservative Party are never trusted with government again. It is not by chance that they are the oldest political party.

John Simpson
Ross-on-Wye

All about Empire

Simon Normanton (Letters, 14 January) sums up the motivation of Brexiteers – they hark back to the days of the British empire.

They ignore the realities. The UK is 3.5 per cent of the global economy, 1 per cent of the world’s population and a minute proportion of its land mass.

To lead, the UK has to be part of a much bigger political force.

The possible alliances are the EU, US or China. We would not get much say with the US or China, so the EU is our best bet.

The alternative is to be insignificant and ignored.

Jon Hawksley
London EC1R

Give the people what they want

This is crunch time, we’re in or we’re out, the sad thing is the fate of our country’s economic future rests in the hands of the bemoaners: the ones who have no interest in the decision of the referendum, just their own personal ego.

The British public want out, end of. Any MP from any party who fails to listen should be thrown out of parliament. If others didn’t deliver in their place of work, what else would the outcome be?

Let’s see some common sense prevailing.

Ann Schwab
Address supplied

A new political party

I am forming the ABBOC Party (Anyone But Boris or Corbyn). Any takers?

Michael G Scott-Robinson
London E4

A festival of Britain

I would like to propose for 2021-22 a Festival of Britain, whereby each region should be prepared to produce samples of all the goods, foods and ideas that they are able to account for and be prepared to sell.

These samples should be displayed in a region some distance away, within the UK, in order that we may all become aware of what is available and what we as a nation can produce.

Nothing should be considered too small or too large to exhibit. Manufactured items, all available food and drink, crafts and art, good ideas should be purely homemade products, with nothing imported.

This could create a window into what is available and how much we can afford to export.

Modern growing devices and methods are making it possible for so much more to be grown successfully in our own country.

Many of us in the north do not know what is grown in Devon or Kent and they may be unaware of the full assets of the Highlands and Islands.

This idea should not be left to the jaundiced view of our politicians or councils; it needs our young entrepreneurs including people like the art college students, young farmers and prospective Lord Sugar employees.

May we as a nation call upon our practical ideas and young people with organisational skills to endorse this project and set the ball rolling.

Name supplied
Broomhill