As usual, Gordon Brown offers wise counsel (Give us a year, to really take back control, Opinion, 30 March). While we are clearly faced with a very serious, complex and perplexing Brexit issue, I would suggest that there are other more useful ways of framing the situation than as an unadulterated crisis.
A narrative of crisis only perpetuates the fantasy of one big solution which, in this as in most cases, is clearly not yet obvious. Our political leaders would be better employed explaining to the public that what we are going through is a legitimate democratic process of trying to arrive at a solution that works for a majority and not just for one section of the population. Yes, it’s a messy process but there should be more explanation of why it is necessary to go through this rather than settle too soon on an outcome that we are likely to regret. In the debates of the coming weeks we need more inquiry into workable options (for us and the EU) and less advocacy of divisive and polarising opinions. Clearly we need more time for this process. We should use that time to re-learn how to talk with and listen to each other in a civil and democratic manner.
Ken Starkey
Professor of management and organisational learning, Nottingham University Business School
• So, national treasure Grayson Perry tells us that, because leavers and remainers share a liking for “Marmite, the colour blue, tea and David Bowie”, “we all have much more in common than that which separates us” (Report, 29 March). When politicians and religious leaders issue the latter rather meaningless platitude, I accept this as part of mainstream community cohesion rhetoric. But when a contemporary artist uses such glib sentiment, which does nothing to talk to any of the fundamental issues that underpin the levels of social disaffection that stalk our green and pleasant land, I do fear for the inviolable role that dissension plays within contemporary art discourse. Perhaps Grayson Perry would do well to take a leaf out of Anish Kapoor’s book (Interview, G2, 14 March) on this account.
Christopher Coppock
Cardiff
• Jonathan Freedland (Opinion, 30 March) points out that the European Research Group is not European, does no research, and barely counts as a group. Reminded me of Voltaire, who once famously declared that the Holy Roman Empire was “neither holy, Roman, nor an empire”.
Ian Ferguson
Thornton Dale, North Yorkshire
• Political parties are gearing up for EU elections on 23 May – just in case it’s necessary. So, even if it’s only this once, please, please, please will the pro-EU parties agree electoral pacts in order not to split the remain electorate.
Patrick Cosgrove
Chapel Lawn, Shropshire
• I see that the man who has led the vote of no confidence against Dominic Grieve is a pantomime producer. You couldn’t make it up.
Joyce Miller
Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland
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