Letter of the week: Brexit is old news – but the UK joining the EU is not

Having also been a single parent while having a full-time job and being a councillor, and being a union rep, I have some idea of just how hard she had worked before getting to be deputy PM.  

Short term, Starmer should bring her back into the cabinet, and then, when the time is right, do a Blair-Brown shuffle.

Peter Hyman has written her draft manifesto, and to use his maritime analogy, Angela Rayner walking up Downing Street is truly a “ship in full sail”.
Peter Tyzack
Severn Beach, Bristol

After 1956, Britain needed a post-imperial role, and as an influential member of the EU we had one. We were developing into a modern European nation.

Brexit took our mast down and beached us right back in 1957. Perhaps Russia and the US between them can scare us into achieving what common sense could not: a consensus on our role in Europe.
Phil Morgan

The quality we need to rebuild, and what the article is talking about, is dignity. Living in Britain really should offer a minimum of prosperity, security, and realistic aspiration. Alas, too many people suffer indignities of various kinds, or find themselves beaten down and losing self-respect. 

Economics is a part of this, but culture is, too. Forever being at the mercy of big corporations or pointless regulation saps the very energies the country collectively needs.
RSP Zatzen

I was delighted to see “universal basic wealth” get a mention in Peter Hyman’s article. Although he is not explicitly advocating a universal basic income, perhaps we can be justified in making such an inference. And why not? 

After all, even the most famous capitalist board game in the world gives every player a £200 handout every time they pass “Go”. 
Maurice Waller

RE: “Burnham’s risky business,” by Phil Tinline, TNW #483

Burnham has learned decisiveness and political wisdom in the 11 years since his last leadership tilt. He will need to be bold for all the reasons this article sets out. I think he will win Makerfield as it’s on his manor. 

Then after Starmer steps down (as I think he will) the real work begins. With a divided political right, the chance will be there for him and Labour in 2028-29 if he’s courageous.
John Hyder-Wilson

I am very disappointed that even before he has been chosen as a parliamentary election candidate, Andy Burnham is already back-pedalling on the things that gave many of us hope. It seems to me that the first thing the PM (whoever it is) must do is restore faith in politicians, and that means taking real action on second jobs, sponsorship, donations, lobbying and more.
Janet Bayford

RE: “We don’t look back 10 years. We look forward” by Matt Kelly, TNW #483

I also don’t want to “reopen the Brexit debate”. The time for debate is over. The results are in. Brexit is a disaster and is damaging the country. The government needs to show leadership and just damn well do something about it. Get on with it.
Alison Keys

If the British people give a future government permission to explore a new relationship with Europe then any outcome of those negotiations must receive the validation of the public. It may be something short of full membership like the Swiss have negotiated, or entry to the single market.
Brian Ronson

We’ve wasted a decade and proved beyond doubt what a terrible idea Brexit was. We can’t afford to waste another decade while we dither around with small steps and pointless rhetoric. It’s time to be bold, brave, ambitious. 
Susan Wilson

Brexit is old news, but the UK joining the EU is not. Any adult aged 18-27 didn’t have a say in 2016. Don’t assume they are happy with the current situation. Many Leave voters are no longer around.
Will Goble

Suggested Reading

We don’t look back 10 years. We look forward

Matt Kelly

RE: “‘Ungovernable Britain?’ Don’t be absurd,” by Matthew d’Ancona, TNW #483

The article states: “This ridiculous claim (about Britain being ungovernable) has been gaining traction since the local, Scottish and Welsh elections delivered their hammer blow to the PM.”

Three parts of the UK have voted for governments that don’t want to be part of it – does that not need to be considered? 
Lorraine Fannin

RE: “Tommy Robinson’s march to nowhere,” by James Ball and Lucy Reade, TNW #483

The usual refrain is “we’re losing our culture”. Then do something about it! Instead of whining about immigrants, organise a village fete, park run or cake sale, or open a community hub. 

My prognosis is they’re bigoted thickos who contribute little but moan about everything. The vile spawn of the National Front from the 1970s.
Mark McNicholas

Some 60,000 in attendance according to police estimates, less than half of the number at Tinpot Tommy’s last little gathering. What a shame.
Michael McKeown

The US money that’s funding this is the story, not Tommy Two Names and his flag-waving fans.
Michael Day

Suggested Reading

The science is clear – the world is heading for water catastrophe

Paul Mason

RE: “We are heading for water catastrophe,” by Paul Mason, TNW #483

Chillingly simple: when the oil runs out you can walk – when the water runs out you die.
Christopher Harrison

RE: “Xi gave Trump nothing,” by Isabel Hilton, TNW #483

An excellent article making it completely clear that international diplomacy needs to be handled by professionals, not rank amateurs. And when the rank amateur is also an uber-narcissist, it really is time for those around him to stop him.
Patrick Reynolds

BELOW THE LINE

RE: “Race Across the World: the antidote to toxic masculinity,” by Jamie Klingler, TNW #483

I suspect that each pair in RATW has won in their own way, in that each person has developed, found ways of coping and of understanding each other and the world. 

This season has probably been the best so far. They’re all smashing people. 
Chris Barker

Started on season three and then went back and watched all of them. Probably the best thing on terrestrial TV.
Nicola Fiedler

RE: “Rats in a Sack: Farage’s ever changing story of his £5m ‘gift’,” TNW #483

This is what happens when the spotlight is fixed on Farage. He avoids interviews and changes his story. His £5m is the story and it’s not going away.
Michael Day

I have the explanation. He’s a git.
Adam Withill

RE: “Rats in a Sack:
Was Trump sent by God?,” TNW #483
While I’m an atheist myself, the only reason a hypothetical God would have sent Trump is if he didn’t think a plague of locusts would be effective enough.
Joe Buckley