Scaremongering was on both sides (Andy Holt)
Whilst not wishing to become embroiled in a tit for tat row with your agricultural editor, I must protest at the one-sided and deeply prejudiced nature of his editorial on the subject of the EU referendum (Landwise 5th August).
I think it was obvious to most of us that there was scaremongering and a level of “economy with the actuality” on both sides of the debate and I suspect that this left many people deeply confused. However, the electorate frequently demonstrates more intelligence than they are credited with by the commentariat.
We live in a democracy and the leave side have it. Let me reassure your editor, there is still plenty of time for this result to be smothered at birth, watered down, kicked into the long grass or even, as he suggests, voted on repeatedly until we get the “right” result in typical EU fashion.
Andy Holt
North House,
Papa Stour.
James Sinclair
Yes,we live in a democracy and the Leave side have it.
The Welsh Assembly was established following a referendum of only 51/49 % in favour on a turnout of 50% yet I recall no clamour for a re-run or any question of the illegitimacy of that outcome.
Much has been made of the Remain campaign erring in concentrating too much on the economy and of the Leavers succeeding by voicing immigration concerns. Both contain a germ of truth as does the idea that the referendum provided a platform to give the so-called ‘elite’ a kicking.
However,the largely over looked explanation is that the vote was an expression of a desire to restore the sovereignty of the UK parliament and of British law. Voting for people that you can subsequently remove,if required and the ability to add/remove laws from the statute book are absolutely basic requirements of a democracy.
Cameron mishandled the referendum through his own hubris but the origins lie with previous PMs who let the UK drift (with the odd little push!) into something people had not voted for….and here is the nub. If there is any attempt not to implement Brexit,the very dangerous notion that voting,even on a massive turnout, makes absolutely no difference, will be abroad.
A grim prospect indeed.