Brexit, concussion, Turkey, internet dating, Bernie Sanders, language Letters into the editor

Absolutely Nothing comes even close to EU

Your frontrunner recommended that “Scotland…is once again agitating for the divorce” (“The real risk of Brexit”, February 27th). This is merely perhaps maybe not the instance: the nationalists are agitating, but Scotland is certainly not. A YouGov poll in February this current year revealed that just 10% of Scots believe another referendum must be a concern for the following government that is scottish and that only 36% would help a referendum within the next 5 years. Also Brexit just isn’t a legitimate reason to split within the great britain. EU membership for a breakaway Scotland will be uncertain, and making the united kingdom will make no financial feeling.

Current research by Scotland in Union suggests that Scotland presently exports between three and four times just as much towards the remaining portion of the British since it does to somewhere else into the EU. The risk of trade barriers between Scotland and the rest of the UK and the potential for reduced freedom of movement across the border, would support Scotland remaining within the UK in the event of brexit.

ALASTAIR CAMERONDirectorScotland in UnionGlasgow

Those in the “Out” camp should don’t have any illusions that Britain will undoubtedly be best off by itself. Despite their sound, they usually have did not comprehend the risk of a vote to go out of in England however a vote in which to stay Scotland. If, as appears nearly specific, the SNP continues to take over the government that is scottish the parliamentary elections in Scotland in might, a lot of whom voted against freedom in 2014 will vote in preference of it must another liberty referendum take destination. Scotland will likely then seek a separate future coffee meets bagel discover within the EU.

STEPHEN SMITHHawick, Scotland

I remain baffled that the political classes aren’t able to grasp that the overriding cause for disillusion among European citizens, evidenced inter alia because of the rise of separatist motions in several countries—not simply Britain—is its huge deficit that is democratic. For instance, presidents associated with eu aren’t elected: they have been appointed after governmental horse-trading. Imagine exactly just what would take place in the event that president for the united states of america were become appointed without having the US individuals having a say. David Cameron might have won a couple of advantages for anyone of Britain but he missed the chance to begin an activity which may have offered a successful voice that is democratic the individuals of European countries.

TOM MOSSCamberley, Surrey

As an undecided Uk voterI ended up being interested to learn your situation for staying within the EU (“The Brexit delusion”, February 27th). Did I Realize properly? But imperfect the present arrangement, if Britons voted to leave then those who work in cost for the EU would contrive to ensure our life on the exterior will be more miserable than regarding the inside. Is this actually designed to win us over? Does the EU exist to serve the welfare of Europeans or simply to perpetuate a unique presence? We worry you have accidentally highlighted the reason that is strongest to get away.

Knock knock

Your article on concussions in sport which appears tacitly to offer the proposed ban on tackling in rugby for kids, seems very away from line along with your newspaper’s general ethos (“Schools and difficult knocks”, March 5th). The Economist is usually cautious about state intervention and it is extremely swift to point out of the legislation of unintended effects.

We discovered just how to tackle properly during the chronilogical age of eight. I will be nevertheless playing complete contact rugby union three decades later on. We attribute my longevity in component to the coaching that is excellent my youth. Can you really anticipate that the generation of kids whom may be afflicted by this ban on tackling only will “figure out” how exactly to tackle and get tackled (by bigger, meaner chaps) once they turn 18 and graduate towards the complete contact game? Undoubtedly this might be an unintended consequence which can be well well worth pointing away.

JONATHAN GOODEDirector of RugbyBay Street Rugby Football ClubToronto, Ontario

Turkish pleasure

* Given that creator associated with the eu affairs ministry that Charlemagne wrote about i really couldn’t forgo the urge to respond (February 20th). President Erdogan considered Turkey’s aspirations within the EU essential and created the ministry to pay attention to the necessary reforms while wanting to lower the amount of case jobs.

It isn’t Turkey’s fault that some in the united kingdom declare that the “EU’s title means betrayal”. Our European allies should comprehend that Turkey’s citizens will likely not enable their nation to do something being a bumper amongst the EU plus the center East. Turkey is really a democracy perhaps perhaps not a sultanate or kingdom and opinion that is public matter. It really is Turkish democracy and residents of y our country which have elected and re-elected Mr Erdogan therefore the Justice and developing Party (AKP). When compared to a few of the brand brand new people of the EU, Turkey is more ready to join the club.

Turkey is (and constantly happens to be) devoted to increasing the living criteria of its residents by applying the necessary EU reforms—even if some EU leaders elect to ignore this. Turkey might not be perfect however it is superior to when the AKP first arrived to energy.

EGEMEN BAGISFormer Minister of EU Affairs & Chief Negotiator of TurkeyIstanbul, Turkey