Madam, – Although an indefatigable pessimist about the economic outcome for the UK and, especially, Scotland after Brexit, Rev. Dr John Cameron would surely not claim the gift of prophesy (Neat trick to pull off EU U-turn, Courier, July 1).
Does he discount the democratic justice of the referendum three years ago?
Sore-loser Remainers typically deprecate the Leavers and their choice, their ignorance of the facts of the issues and even their education, so that they were ignorant of what they were voting for.
However, in the one person, one vote system, no special qualifications are required.
Therefore, with a majority of about a million, the verdict was clear.
Dr Cameron, evidently discounting the democratic attraction of national self-rule, as to the SNP, concentrates on perceived short term economic drawbacks of Brexit, which are surely unpredictable with any certainty.
He does not mention the European Union’s prospective forced unification of European nations, with its own military and foreign policies, dominated by Germany; nor is its anti-democratic structure mentioned.
The belief that we are gifted EU grants is negated by our own contributions.
Gross, ingrained corruption, preventing fair auditing for many years, is a notorious stain on the EU’s character.
All-in all, apart from its initial costs, and despite the unsatisfactory state of our present parliaments, home rule, with our ability to sack bad governments seems far preferable to us Leavers.
Hopefully, the new PM will be able to extricate us without too many tears.
After that, developing national success will be up to ourselves.
Dr Charles Wardrop.
111, Viewlands Rd West,
Perth.
UK going against grain on trade
Madam, – The EU and South American economic bloc Mercosur have clinched a huge trade deal after 20 years of negotiations.
It is the EU’s biggest deal to date and aims to cut or remove trade tariffs, making imported products cheaper for consumers while also boosting exports for companies on both sides.
The agreement is set to create a market for goods and services covering nearly 800 million consumers, making it the largest in the world in terms of population.
It should be noted the EU is already Mercosur’s biggest trade and investment partner.
A matter of days later, adding to the irony, the EU and Vietnam signed a deal that will slash duties on almost all goods.
Both these neatly highlight that the EU is one of the world’s great global trading powers.
As an EU member state the UK automatically benefits from 40 trade agreements the EU has in place with more than 70 countries.
These are trade agreements that on leaving the EU the UK will have to renegotiate, in a increasingly protectionist world.
While Brexiteers talk of a “global Britain” that will trade freely with the world, they will soon find out, to the detriment of us all, that not only will this take a considerable amount of time, but any terms agreed will not come close to matching the benefits we currently enjoy as EU members.
Alex Orr.
Flat 3, 2 Marchmont Road,
Edinburgh.
Divisive and undesirable
Madam, – The delivery of Brexit has become an obsession, constantly mentioned as though the entire population of Britain had voted for it.
The fact is that about half of us wanted to remain in the EU, as the vote to leave had a mere 3.8% majority.
So whatever happens – leave or stay – the outcome will be divisive and socially undesirable.
Malcolm Parkin.
Gamekeepers Road,
Kinnesswood,
Kinross.
Trams are future of transport
Madam, – A new seemingly “polished” doctrine of scientific materialism is gaining ground through cleverly manipulated media outlets, an unfortunate state of affairs leading to social intolerance and political polarisation.
Take for example the manufacture and sale of motor vehicles: the UK, a relatively small country with a road network which has almost reached a stage of vehicular arteriosclerosis, cannot continue to cope with the number of vehicles being disgorged from manufacturers.
Roadways are becoming jammed-up, environmental pollution is rising and life more traumatic. While employment is a significant factor in the motor-industry, there must be other more progressive means of generating rewarding employment.
The reintroduction of well designed and economically viable trams would be a step towards ameliorating this serious problem, while affording enhanced levels of social intercourse.
Kenneth Miln.
6 Swallow Apts,
Union St, Monifieth.
Beef over Bruce film is fake
Madam, – As if the political follies of the western world were not enough, in Scotland we have reached the extremes.
A cinema chain, Cineworld, decides not to release in its businesses a new film.
It is about Robert the Bruce and is reputed to be of poor quality.
Nevermind.
The Scottish nationalist hordes have piled on to Cineworld, attacking it for alleged anti-Scottish bias for this “ban”.
Some claim it is a political act by those determined to uphold the union, although it is clear that commercial considerations are uppermost and there is no sign of MI5 or any other agency influencing the decision.
At least one SNP MP and a Green MSP have slammed the decision, and Alex Salmond is asking Cineworld to ‘think again’.
A petition to have Cineworld reverse its decision has attracted over 2,500 signatures.
Outraged nationalists have vowed to boycott Cineworld cinemas.
This is par for the course, as we know the appearance of a Union Jack on produce can lead to threats of boycotts of supermarkets, while firms whose leaders have indicated they do not support Scottish separatism have been boycotted.
Cineworld’s decision is inconsequential.
Other cinema chains are showing the film, so it is not as if the patriotic masses are being deprived of the chance to view it.
Further, to adapt P.G. Wodehouse, it is never hard to tell the difference between a ray of sunshine and a Scottish nationalist with a perceived grievance.
Jill Stephenson.
Glenlockhart Valley,
Edinburgh.
Equality in name only
Madam, – Muirfield Golf Club is set to admit its first women members after 275 years.
The club has asked 12 ladies to take up membership. A victory for women? I think not.
How many women are members of Royal Troon and Royal Aberdeen?
The membership fees for these three clubs are far higher than the average club so only wealthy women would apply, so not much equality here.
Two of the ladies joining Muirfield are from overseas, so a lot of air miles.
I think that the numerous ladies-only golf clubs deserve to be just that, but how long before some male raises an objection in the interests of equality?
Clark Cross.
138 Springfield Road,
Linlithgow.