Britain needs to realise that it isn't the emperor of the world anymore

If the European Union “never felt to us like an integral part of our national story”, then it’s because England (let’s not pretend for one moment it’s the whole of the UK) still clings to dreams of colonial grandeur, a world in which Brits didn’t negotiate: they conquered. A world that vanished at least 60 years ago, and bloody good riddance too.

If we couldn’t adjust to being part of the EU, it wasn’t because we’re better than the EU27, it’s because we’re worse. Backward-looking, snobbish, dictatorial, uncompromising, contemptuous of teamwork. Even now, with consummate English arrogance, our leaders are still declaring we need to “punch above our weight” and be “global leaders”. We might have been the bee’s knees in the 19th century, but we show ourselves daily to be entirely unfit for the 21st.

Unpatriotic? You bet. I am deeply, deeply ashamed of the country in which I happened to be born.

Paula Kirby
Inverness

The international community should stand with Catalonia

The pictures on our TV screens and in our newspapers of what is happening in Catalonia in the run-up to its independence referendum is deeply disturbing for all those who believe in democracy.

European values, civil rights, freedom of speech, freedom of information and freedom of assembly are being violated by the Spanish government, which has sent the police to search newspapers, printing companies and private mail services; ban political meetings; seize referendum material; and threaten to imprison democratically elected politicians.

Despite more than 70 per cent of Catalans supporting the holding of a referendum, Catalan home rule has effectively been suspended by the Spanish government. It’s a situation that harks back to the dark past of Spain and is not taking place in some tin-pot dictatorship, but within the European Union. This issue is now not just solely about independence, it is about fundamental civil rights and the universal right of self-determination.

Instead of engaging in discourse, the Spanish government has opted for police and judges, taking it beyond the limits of a respectable democracy and violating the European Charter of Fundamental Rights. The EU itself is built on these values and is committed to guaranteeing the rights proclaimed in the charter and in the EU treaties. As an EU member state, Spain should respect that. If not, it is the European Commission’s duty to intervene.

The international community must stand with Catalonia in its defence of democracy and true European values. In the meantime, Catalonia’s citizens are doing what they can to defend democracy, not with weapons, but through the ballot box.

Alex Orr
Edinburgh

We now know that Brexit is a mistake

Glad to see that the country is now coming to its senses, with 52 per cent now back Remain. Where have we heard that figure before? So let’s just get back to normal and forget the past two years ever happened.

Colin Hayward
Fareham Hampshire

We now see why there is such a hysterical reaction to any proposal of another referendum. The advocates of Brexit are terrified to ask the question of a now better informed electorate.

When we buy a house, deciding to purchase based on hopes and expectations is only the first step. A sensible buyer then makes very make sure they know what hidden problems there may be before the contract is finalised. Why should it be any different when it comes to Brexit?

Arthur Streatfield
Bath

Cyclists need to be held to account

For many years, there has been a law making it illegal to cycle on footways, offenders being liable to receive an on the spot fine. Why has this simple law not been enforced? The elderly in, in particular, run the risk of being run into by cyclists using footways on which they used to be safe. How many cyclists hold personal injury insurance? I am pleased that more attention is now being paid to these issues. I would be even more pleased if there was action. Urgent action.

Ian Turnbull
Carlisle

For once, Boris is telling the truth

“A nest of singing birds,” Boris Johnson? So true. The way nestlings shoulder each other aside to be first to grab the worm.

David Watson
Goring Heath