David Evans’ sister (Letters, 21 July) needs to see something a bit more positive about Brexit in your newspaper, and as a remainer I have been compelled to find something to cheer myself up with. Maybe it’s not all gloomy. The poorer countries of Europe not only want there to be jobs in our country for their workers, they need our financial help as well, and our economy, comparatively speaking, is strong. Greece will need more money from somewhere, and Italy is soon likely be a mendicant. Germany understandably has said that it is not prepared to do all the financial heavy lifting. There are several European countries willing to woo us too for our assistance.
In global affairs, we are a strong member of Nato and have an important role in the UN as a member of the security council. Historically, we have world experience in trade, politics and defence, and our Queen is head of the Commonwealth. An ever more English-speaking world is something beneficial to us. Regardless of Trump, our special relationship with the US is real. These are considerable assets with which David Davis and his team can bargain in their EU negotiations and with the world at large. When Boris Johnson decides, and let it be soon, that the foreign secretary is not going to be him, I am sure they will be able to get on with this work patiently and steadfastly.
Richard Wilson
Oxford
• Yet another seven, possibly eight, letters from people whingeing about the Brexit vote (21 July). On the other hand, headlines of: “Merkel backs May’s decision not to trigger Brexit until next year – German leader does not rule out free trade deal with UK” (page 6); “Sheffield gets ‘billions’ in Chinese investment – Sixty-year construction deal with Sichuan firm - £220m tranche earmarked to to transform city centre” (page 12); “Positive data from Bank is good news for May”; “Benign beginning for Brexit”; “Unilever cuts $1bn deal for shaving club in bid to take on Gillette” (all page 25); “Cadbury’s wants its biscuits back” (page 27). More positive contributions, please.
Brian Harrison-Jennings
Huddersfield, West Yorkshire
• Since there’s been no economic catastrophe or political cataclysm following the majority decision to leave the EU, it is right to celebrate the restoration of British constitutional sovereignty and legal autonomy. Instead of dwelling on doom-laden narratives, peddled bythe IMF , World Bank, the EU, the US and other vested elites, the British public should embrace Brexit. Not only will a post-EU Britain regain its global independence, but it can also foster greater international stability. In a world where the US, Russia, China and the EU are currently major players, a post-Brexit UK can evolve into an effective power bloc with the revival and strengthening of the Commonwealth. By capitalising on historical and cultural links, this new Commonwealth – with its 2 billion population and swiftly emerging markets – can become a viable complement to the declining European single market.
By establishing free trade deals with each of the 53 nations of the Commonwealth, the UK will not only secure its own economic interests, but contribute to progress and development in its former colonies. Upon entering the EU, Britain foolishly downgraded its relations with the Commonwealth. That disastrous shortsighted decision needs to be reversedfor the mutual benefit of both parties. This, surely, is a win-win situation.
Dr T Hargey
Director, Muslim Educational Centre of Oxford
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