I AM PLEASED John Pardoe (Observer, April 3) is able to have a laugh: unfortunately I see very little to laugh about in the whole Brexit debacle.
I don’t think anyone has been suggesting, as he seems to infer, all leavers are greedy and selfish – but some certainly are. The politicians, such as Boris Johnson, are out for political success: others such as Jacob Rees-Mogg are making sure they will be fine by moving their businesses to Europe, and some like Tim Martin are hoping to get out of the EU because it curbs their freedom in business.
It’s a pity the truth did not come out earlier: that EU laws protect those in employment. There is so much we will lose, apart from the economic problems, by leaving Europe, that those who voted remain are trying to save the country, not to make enemies.
And speaking of behaviours: did you notice how about 1.4 million people marched in London with no problems at all, full of cheerfulness, determination, good humour and optimism, whereas there are myriad accounts of remainers being attacked when protesting.
I wish I met leavers who felt hopeful and happy rather than truculent and angry and I hope our Government will not be intimidated by a very vocal and violent minority.
Putting the country first may well mean rethinking the whole process.
Chris Shepherd
THIRTY months ago in the referendum we were asked to choose between remain in the EU or to leave the EU.
I find it insulting when ‘remainers’ tell me I didn’t understand what I was voting for. Both Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn committed via their manifestos to abide by the result of the referendum.
Why then do MPs keep giving us their ‘we know best’ views and opinions and look to obstruct us from leaving the EU? Mrs May constantly stated we would leave on March 29 and that a ‘No Deal is better than a Bad Deal’.
MPs clearly think Mrs May’s deal is indeed a Bad Deal whilst the Labour view appears to be anything but Brexit.
It becomes very obvious, to the public but perhaps not to MPs, now we have requested a further extension from the
EU we will shortly witness the rapid demise of both the Conservatives and Labour – totally deserved.
This will be down to any extension given after April 12 requiring the UK to participate in EU elections.
This is where democracy will return to the UK as I am utterly convinced the voters will turn out in their droves and back parties which will see us eventually exit the EU.
J Kendall
ONE in four cars on our roads at peak times are on the school run.
Change this and we’ll improve our children’s health.
The State of Global Air 2019 study shows that air pollution reduces life expectancy by 20 months on average worldwide and is a bigger killer than road incidents.
For children, air pollution is more harmful – stunting their lung development and causing lifelong implications.
To reduce the levels of toxic air caused by motor vehicles, we need to encourage and enable more families to walk to school.
Walk to School Week takes place next month and schools across the UK have plans to encourage families to walk more.
From behaviour change initiatives through to closing streets around the school; it’s important that each school finds what works for them.
We’re proud to be helping more than 3,000 schools UK-wide to take part this May.
It’s a misconception that children are protected from air pollution inside the car.
But it is clear the benefits of being physically active outweigh the air pollution risk and in walking to school, we become part of the clean air solution.
T Braun, Living Streets
EDITOR’S COMMENT
AS BREXIT continues to drag itself out, our thoughts turn to the local elections and perhaps other polls this year.
I don’t think any of our politicians truly understand the anger felt by many on both sides of the Brexit chasm, people are now threatening to spoil their ballot papers in protest.
Please don’t, the best way you can vent your opinion is to take your vote elsewhere. If you feel ‘your’ party no longer represents you, vote for someone else.
Vote for the party which represents your thoughts and views but please do vote.
Many gave their lives for us to put a cross a box every few years, I still believe their sacrifices weren’t in vain.
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