The open letter from politicians, academics and other high-profile public figures, calling for a halt to Brexit, might have had more impact if it had included some evidence of a tangible change in circumstances that might alter the views of all those who voted Leave. An example would have been signs of a willingness amongst the EU leadership to consider key elements of the reform agenda that David Cameron had tried to secure before the referendum, but he of course was essentially rebuffed, and none have subsequently signalled a change of heart.
The Scottish Government welcomed the latest call for a halt to Brexit, but then the SNP has demonstrated that its respect for referendum results depends very much on the outcome. The UK Government is seeking to implement Brexit on the strength of what the people chose in the EU referendum. Seeking to overturn that result, and potentially undermining the UK’s negotiating hand in the process, cannot be justified simply by asserting that Brexit will be terrible. Like no doubt most of those who signed the open letter, I voted Remain, but nevertheless believe we should now respect the outcome rather than acting as if our view is more important than those in the majority who did not agree with us.
Keith Howell
West Linton
Alexander Good asks why some accuse Ruth Davidson of a lack of principles anent Brexit (Trivial headline on gender piece, 16 July). In particular, he quoted that famous maxim of Keynes: "When circumstances change, I change my view. What do you do?"
However, Keynes's quip doesn't really explain Ruth Davidson's changing views about the Brexit process – because the circumstances have not changed at all. Overwhelmingly, the judgment of politicians, economists, academics, industrialists and the cultural sector is that Brexit will be a social and economic disaster for Scotland. And this judgment was widely shared by the Scottish public – and is why they voted so overwhelmingly against it.
The truth of the matter is that Ms Davidson's Brexit views are not being driven by a change of circumstances at all – they are being driven by a total subservience to whatever message is received from Conservative Central Office, London. Hence her shift from Remainer to soft Brexiteer to hard Brexiteer – and back to soft again.
In short, to many people Ruth Davidson appears to have no principles at all. Her "principles" are dictated to her by the changing fortunes of another government in different parliament governing what seems to be an increasingly foreign country.
David Patrick
Alexander Good quotes John Maynard Keynes to excuse Ruth Davidson's change from Remainer to Brexiteer. I would refer him to Groucho Marx who said: "Those are my principles and if you don't like them ... well I have others." This to me fits the lady better.
Brian Brodie
Crieff
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