The Reader: A People’s Vote is the only way to go after this crushing defeat

last night MPs decisively reasserted democratic control over a process that has been characterised by secrecy, broken promises and efforts by the Government to get Brexit over the line — no matter what the cost.Now, with the clock ticking louder, there is only one way forward — to hand the final decision back to the British public through a People’s Vote.

There is neither time nor the appetite for another episode of fantasy Brexit in which all kinds of false promises are made for half-in, half-out proposals which then fall apart in negotiations. Whoever is in power, there is no form of Brexit that can fulfil the promises that have been made, that is better than the deal we’ve got inside Europe, or will stop this crisis going on forever.

The “EU-lite” Norway proposal would not end freedom of movement or significantly reduce payments to Brussels, it just guarantees that we will have little or no say in rules we once helped make but now would merely follow. Similarly, it is nonsense to pretend that a permanent customs union offers the UK any meaningful say in trade policy or avoids severe economic damage to jobs and industry. And a no-deal Brexit, far from being orderly in any way, would mean the UK trying to exist with no EU trade deal or any trade deal with any country.
Guto Bebb MP, Conservative former Defence Minister
Vince Cable MP, Liberal Democrat leader
David Lammy MP, Labour
Caroline Lucas MP, Green Party

EDITOR'S REPLY

Dear Guto, Vince, David and Caroline

We need to defuse Brexit and we haven’t got long — but the question is how? Parliament is now going to take charge — which means people working together in new alliances, like the one your letter sets out today. But it’s still not clear whether any group of MPs can command a majority for a Brexit plan — certainly not for a referendum — so far.

The only two things that might get immediate backing from most MPs are to delay Brexit and rule out no- deal. That would be a start — but what then? Stopping Brexit through a referendum appeals to me but getting there won’t be simple. First, I can’t see how a referendum could happen without the Government being in favour of a vote. It’s a complex process that will take time, leadership and new laws. The current Prime Minister just won’t do it.

Second, what should be the question? Do you want a choice between Remain and no-deal, or between the PM’s rejected plan and Remain? Or a three-way contest? And, of course, a referendum might just back Brexit all over again — although I don’t think it would.

Julian Glover, Associate Editor (Comment)

Far-Right hijacks pro-Brexit protest

AS A group of grassroots protesters against Brexit we wholeheartedly endorse Catherine Anderson’s letter and Kate Proctor’s response on restoring order to debates and protests [The Reader, January 11].

We have been peacefully protesting daily outside Parliament since September 5, 2017. Only since last month have there been any regular pro-Brexit protests.

For the last month and a half it has been very difficult for our members. We are facing similar extremes of aggression, being called “traitors”, “Nazi scum” and “not British”. We are patriotic, we love our country too and want the best for it.

To their credit, many Leave voters who have been protesting since December have been equally disgusted with this far-Right agitation by former English Defence League and Britain First members.

All sides need to take a step back and act with moderation.
Steven Bray
Stand of Defiance European Movement