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Debate is welcomed

The EU referendum took place almost 12 months ago and ever since the letters page of the Adver has been a veritable oasis for many of your correspondents to express a view, engage in reasoned argument and debate the pros and cons of our membership of the EU.

I was therefore a little surprised to be accused by Deborah King of “seeking to cut off debate on Brexit” (SA 24 May).

I think my record speaks for itself, I positively enjoy, welcome and encourage the debate especially with my fellow correspondents John Stooke, Adam Poole et al.

Deborah King is quite right to suggest the issue with regard to our leaving is now about the ‘terms’ and she is right the terms must be discussed and scrutinised.

Where I think we will disagree is on the question of who is involved in the discussion and scrutinising.

Some would argue it is matter for Parliamentarians, whereas others suggest ‘the people should decide’ in yet another referendum.

The only issue I have with the latter is that, according to Liz Webster and John Stooke, plus a wide assortment of politicians, is that ‘the people made the wrong choice the last time they voted’ so what hope is there they will make the right choice next time?

After all if those who voted leave in 2016 were ‘stupid’ and yes, that was the soubriquet given to them, why would anyone rely upon them understanding the nuances of what EU bureaucrats refer to as complex issues?

In response to Ms King, it is perfectly reasonable to have concerns with regard to the future of exports and jobs.

Those who voted leave had those same concerns, they just saw the results a little differently to those who voted remain.

I hope the letters page of the Adver will continue to lead the debate on Brexit and that my friends and protagonists of the remain camp will continue to argue their case with the same tenacity they have displayed over the past 11 months and more.

DES MORGAN, Caraway Drive, Swindon

Bus lane signposted

THERE has been rather a lot of controversy of late in the Swindon Advertiser regarding the Outlet Village bus lane.

A letter in last Saturday’s SA (20th) a correspondent stated that her friend has “missed the sign” and obviously received a penalty ticket.

In fact there are a total of seven warning signs on the approach and entrance to the bus lane from either direction. This includes warning of a camera.

The entrance of the bus lane has a red road surface to highlight this. Perhaps it is more to do with drivers not paying attention to the road signs than the council’s fault on this occasion.

Unfortunately, a large number of drivers prefer to ignore bus lane warning signs, the ones at Jurys Inn and Church Place, for example, then complain when they receive a fixed penalty notice.

RICHARD ALBRIGHTON, Tamworth Drive, West Swindon

It’s a fight for survival

THE revulsion, shock and horror that engulfed my heart and soul at the Manchester atrocity defies anything I could put into print at the moment.

Let me be more specific as I write these words on May 24th - my 74th birthday. The reason being that young innocent children and adults have been denied the privilege of reaching that age - with all the good, sad and bad times that occur on our journey through this life - while they were all enjoying a pop concert.

I have great respect for the people who light candles and pray for peace after these carnages of human flesh and murder on our island.

But many of the monsters who carry out murderous acts are born and bred in Britain. Many have been allowed to return after fighting foreign campaigns in the Middle East.

We must deal with the enemy amongst us with immediate effect.

This great country never won the battle at sea at Trafalgar, never beat the Spanish Armada, ended the threat posed by Napoleon at Waterloo or beat the great beast of Nazi Germany, by burning candles.

It is time to get the gloves off in our fight for survival and our way of life on our precious island. Are you listening British members of Parliament?

BILL WILLIAMS, Merlin Way, Covingham, Swindon

Young lives ruined

THE horrendous bombing at the Manchester Arena has put the whole country into shock.

The young people involved were attending a concert by the American pop singer Ariana Grande. The terrorist attack took place at 10.35pm on Monday night and in that instant so many young lives were ruined.

Ordinary people cannot understand what might motivate a person to do such a thing.

Our minds cannot comprehend the strange thoughts that must have been going through the mind of the suicide bomber as he set about destroying so many young lives.

MARTIN COSTELLO, Islandsmead, Eldene, Swindon

Charity discourteous

ISN’T life strange? I think we all want to support charities in the best way we can as they do sterling work.

However, I phoned the Heart Foundation Shop in Swindon and offered them a good wooden and metal patio set of a table and four chairs, if it was the sort of thing they wanted. On their answerphone, I left my name, postcode and telephone number, including the dialling code as requested.

After a week I had received no response so I completed the on-line form and offered the same.

Another week went by with no response so I offered it to a neighbour and it was gratefully accepted.

Why, when we make an offer do they not have the courtesy to respond?

CHRIS GLEED, Proud Close, Purton