Denis MacShane clearly envisages the European elections as an opportunity to rerun the referendum, offering no additional guidance other than for anti-Brexit parties to “stop name-calling each other”(Letters, 17 April). It should more usefully be seen as a proxy for a general election, allowing consideration of the fundamental economic and social problems besetting the UK, which need to be addressed irrespective of Brexit.
With the Tories in disarray, the unconditional leave vote split between Ukip and the Brexit party, and the Lib Dems and Change UK competing for the votes of those who prioritise remain over other policy issues, he might have emphasised the huge opportunity this presents for the Labour party. The case must be made for tackling the inequalities and despair that fuelled much of the Brexit vote in the first place. At the same time, Labour could set out the parameters for a Brexit compatible with these objectives, but, crucially, commit to allowing the electorate the final say on whether this constitutes an improvement over the status quo – surely a winning formula.
Dr Anthony Isaacs
London
• Oh, Polly Toynbee, I am your ardent admirer but to say that “the Liberal Democrats, Greens and Change UK … are the only unequivocal singers of the EU ode to joy” (Journal, 16 April) is a truly outrageous disregard of the SNP, who have campaigned steadfastly to remain, and cooperated with all other remainers. It was the Scottish Six, led by Joanna Cherry, who verified the unilateral right to revoke article 50 with the European court of justice. Moreover, the SNP members at Westminster actually sang the Ode to Joy while MPs voted on the Brexit bill, and got rebuked by the deputy speaker for doing so! Every constituency in Scotland voted to remain, 62% of us. Over and over again Scotland’s voice is ignored. Please, let not the Guardian ignore it.
Fabia Gray
Appin, Argyll
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