The Reader: People’s Vote march on Saturday was democracy in action

Saturday's march for a People’s Vote on the final Brexit deal attracted about 700,000 participants. Ignoring such a huge demonstration has consequences. Firstly, the only march bigger than that was the “stop the war” march in 2003. The government of the time, led by Tony Blair, ignored that and his reputation has suffered since.

Secondly, if peaceful protest is ignored and no longer becomes one of the means to express discontent then I fear more ruthless measures could be advocated, which is worrying. Let’s not forget the riots against the poll tax in 1990.

The Prime Minister should know that ignoring the voices of those who marched will not end well. At least acknowledge the will of the people who want a vote on the final deal.

Tony Howarth

I was one of those people giving up a day off to march through central London on Saturday. I live in London so it was easy for me to go, but I met several people who had come from hundreds of miles away; one couple I spoke to had come from Orkney.

Regardless of how they voted in the EU referendum, what many fellow marchers expressed was real despair at the ineptitude and opportunism of our political leaders; politicians of all hues would do well to take note.

Ann Nee

EDITOR'S REPLY

Dear Tony and Ann

The river of people through London was remarkable. It demanded attention from both sides.

Let’s be clear, there could be no justification for “riots” to overturn a referendum in which 33.5 million people voted. But there are strong arguments for a fresh vote. As this newspaper recently revealed, there is evidence of a net swing against Brexit that exceeds the paltry four-point majority for Leave in 2016. If the mandate for Brexit has reached its expiry date, only another vote can acceptably negate or confirm it.

But there are challenges for People’s Vote as leading supporters disagree about the question. Some feel a choice between “Theresa May’s deal or Remain” would be just as bogus as the Prime Minister’s deal-or-no-deal ultimatum. And we have yet to see a poll that shows a majority for restaging the vote. These issues need to be addressed — because 700,000 marchers deserve answers.

Joe Murphy, Political Editor

New vision for the water sector

Charles Saatchi [October 18] rightly points out that climate change and population growth are global challenges we must all face if we are to secure our precious water resources for future generations.

As individuals and communities, each of us can make a difference. And water companies, as stewards of our water resources, can affect a game-change by cutting down on leakage and pollution of our rivers and lakes.

Given the challenges that lie ahead of us, Ofwat, the water regulator, has begun a conversation about a new vision for the water sector in England and Wales. We’ve already spoken to lots of people across the country but in the coming months we want to hear from many more.

Water is perhaps our most vital resource and is pivotal to all our lives. That’s why we want everyone to be a part of shaping its future.

Rachel Fletcher

Chief executive, Ofwat

Farage is a shoe missing a lace

Nigel Farage said that we will get cheaper shoes when we leave the EU. I voted Remain but now I know we can have cheaper shoes I have changed my mind. Of course if the laces are not included I will change my mind again.

Are we mad to listen to this nonsense?

Robin Shohet

I’m 60, but the world is my Oyster

I am grateful for my new Freedom Pass, but please can Transport for London adjust its Oyster readers on buses? While those at Tube station gates don’t flash up with any message at all, on Routemasters, the code “Eld” (for elderly, one assumes) pops up. Even the word “senior” would be acceptable, but surely no one thinks 60 is elderly these days?

Bonita Leese