Letters: July 2, 2016

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Britain faces break-up

I CANNOT begin to express my disappointment at the result of the EU referendum.

There is no doubt it has split our nation in two.

However, I don’t think it is over yet. Referendum rules call for our Parliament to ratify the result. I think the 52 per cent to 48 per cent result doesn’t give anyone a clear mandate to act.

Leaving aside, after the misinformation used in the lead up to voting, I would suspect the plus or minus two in the result will fall within “the margin of error” for an exercise of this magnitude; no doubt some mathematical type reader will explain.

I am concerned that this result could result in the break-up of the UK.

Brexit clamoured for “control of our borders” but the loss of Scotland would produce the opposite effect to that and worse, a border which will be very difficult to control.

Scots would need a passport to visit relatives and maybe even a work permit.

A similar situation could occur in Ireland if Northern Ireland decides to unite with the Republic of Ireland. The 1923 Common Travel Agreement would still allow free movement of people from Ireland to Britain.

Due to the misinformation provided, I think many who voted Brexit did not realise the true effect that their vote could have.

Before the referendum I talked to a number of people and was disappointed to discover how many people knew very little about the EU.

Few knew the name of their MEP, or even their MP.

The argument over the result will centre on the inaccurate information published by the Brexit campaign.

We now know Boris’ claim that he would save £350 million a week to spend on the NHS was untrue. Boris won’t have this money, therefore it is likely Michael Gove’s idea of privatising the NHS would come into play, following the IDS line and saying hello to US health insurance.

We also know that 88 million Turks are not about to invade Europe anytime soon but non-EU refugees will still come.

MIKE SPRY

Nythe, Swindon

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Reap Brexit benefits

THANK you to all who had foresight to vote out. Now we can reap the benefits, first, not be bombarded with letters from Mike Spry and Alex Hegenbarth who have spoiled my Advertiser reading for what seems forever.

Then, of course, as I told you last week, we will also be rid of Brussels, Cameron and Osborne, though I did not expect the latter to disappear from the face of the Earth as, at the time of writing, he has not been seen since the count.

But the bonus is Swindon should be rid of Robert Buckland, who was elected to represent the people of Swindon.

As forecast, the majority in Swindon wanted out yet, against the wishes of the majority of his constituents, he consistently campaigned to stay.

He is entitled to his opinion but he is paid to help the people of Swindon.

Plus he is paid to help run our county, not pass the buck for Brussels to do his work.

Please remember this at the next election, which I expect very soon.

T AUSTIN

Kent Road, Swindon

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Young people betrayed

WITH regards to the referendum we, the nearly 50 per cent, now have to bear the triumphalism of the slightly more than 50 per cent.

It will not last; already the Brexiteers have gone back on their promises.

I can make no promises for others but I promise not to say I told you so when the excrement hits the fan and we get flushed down the toilet.

One of your correspondents gleefully wrote, “Our NHS, the envy of the world, will cease to be the international health service.”

Unfortunately, the Brexiteers have caused Cameron to resign and in his place will be those who have promised to destroy the health service.

The first part of that sentence will stand but the end will be: “Our NHS, the envy of the world, will cease to be” and all because of the UKIP-inspired Brexit.

If this letter had been written on paper instead of an iPad it would be tear-stained as I wept for the future of our young people we, the baby boomer generation, have so woefully betrayed.

STEPHEN THOMPSON

Norman Road

Swindon

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Wealth is causing wars

IT IS a good day, oh yes, a great day. We are out – thanks to the British people’s good sense.

Regarding the letter from Steve Halden, I agree the Romans have done some wicked things in Britain and Europe. But did Britain and other European nations not do terrible acts in various countries?

“The Great British Empire” – what about the Aborigines, may Africans, Indians, American Native Indians etc?

We British people have done our share of bad deeds – slavery, torture and many others throughout our world.

When slavery was abolished, British slave owners were given large amounts of compensation. Now that’s good old British justice for you isn’t it?

The lust for wealth and power is the cause of wars and injustice for many of our world’s problems and people.

“I’m richer than you, I have a posh car, I’m a billionaire. You are lower than me, I’ve made it to the top of the pile.”

But remember, what goes up must come down.

LES FOX

Blunsdon

Swindon

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Choir sang beautifully

THAMESDOWN Ladies Choir gave a truly superb concert to celebrate their 40th anniversary. It resulted in a standing ovation from a very appreciative audience.

Many congratulations to you all on a lovely evening of varied music sung beautifully.

SHIRLEY PICKETT

Ermin Street

Stratton

Swindon