Reader's Letter: Face facts: we voted to leave

His letter was a response to my letter of 03.08.16 [Global unrest must now be addressed] relating to refugees and human rights in the context of BREXIT trade negotiations.

I am pleased that the Stroud majority in the EU referendum, like myself, voted to remain.

However, we must now face the fact that the country voted to leave the EU.

I agree with many of Mr Marchant’s points but the key thrust of my letter was that when addressing trade matters, that human rights issues should also be addressed.

A deal on two such diverse issues may not be possible, but it should be attempted, using the bargaining power we have.

The idea is that better human rights will lead to fewer refugees.

Mr Marchant’s letter is very concerned about timescales but my letter was about the concept of linking of the refugee and immigrant crisis, to future trade negotiations – not timescales.

The Brexit leaders, eg Iain Duncan Smith, appear to believe that leaving the EU is uncomplicated, need not take forever, and that immigration will be reduced.

Indeed, a certain former leader has threatened political unrest if the Brexit deal is not concluded rapidly.

However, Geoffrey Clifton-Brown MP, who campaigned to leave the EU, has replied to me on this matter stating: “Nobody should believe that the negotiation process will be brief or straightforward”.

On appointing the negotiators: “This ensures that the best interest of the UK will be considered at every stage of our exit.”

“On human rights, this country has a very proud record of championing improvements and reform. We do not hesitate to raise this issue with countries who do not comply with internationally recognised standards.”

Thus, as someone who was dismayed at the EU referendum result, I trust that our negotiators will be enabled to ‘get a result’.

But, like Mr Marchant, I am not expecting it any time soon.

Colleen Rothwell

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