Readers' letters - November 27

We have a weak divided Government unable to formulate a realistic relationship with our EU partners, faced by an unconvincing Labour opposition with no clear policy on Brexit.The implications of Britain leaving the EU were never spelt out clearly by either side of the argument, and it is becoming more evident that the golden uplands promised by Leave are never likely to materialise. Some of the results of Brexit are already visible – stalled investment, planned relocation of two important regulatory bodies, an orchestra moving to Belgium, plus the continued uncertainty surrounding scientific co-operation, increased customs procedures and doubts about air travel. Despite months of negotiations, we seem no nearer to settling the question of expatriate EU and British citizens, and no solution for the important question of the Irish border has even been proposed.We have developed a representative democracy which may be flawed, but it is superior to the blunt instrument of an imperfectly devised referendum in deciding on the complex issues resulting from 40 years of legislation. Parliamentarians of all parties should now have the courage to revoke Article 50 before this Brexit madness damages the country further.Keith Alfordvia email

Appeasement will harm UKThere is no doubt that Leave was far too complacent after the referendum. We thought we had won and it was all over bar Parliamentary implementation which would be rather dull.No-one thought Remainers would overnight become Leavers, but we did expect them to treat the result in the same way as a win at a general election. Many have honourably done so. However, some Remainers claim they respect the referendum result but, by their actions, we know they don’t. Others are quite blatantly siding with the EU and doing everything in their power to overturn our democratic decision.Since the facts haven’t changed, and a majority want the Government to “get on with it”, we will be leaving. So the only result that Remain can achieve is for the UK to get a worse deal, with an enormous bill, when otherwise we could just leave, using the existing WTO trade deal. Appeasement on the scale of our entry negotiations in 1972 will harm the UK for decades, and could result in the implosion of the Conservative party.Nick Martinekvia email

Inaction over renewables

In considering the merits of solar panels for producing electricity, experience has clearly shown the technology can be viable and environmentally friendly when fitted to buildings in the UK. As an island, we are surrounded by tidal energy, so why are our so-called leaders dragging their feet on such projects as the Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon? Indeed, when it comes to technological and engineering challenges, politicians such as Ed Miliband, Chris Huhne, Ed Davey and Amber Rudd have a lot to answer for – future generations will find it hard to forgive our lethargy in allowing politicians to treat us like sheep and letting UK energy strategy become that of the madhouse. Let us hope Greg Clark, the Secretary for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, truly understands the necessary science.Dave HaskellAddress supplied