Saturday 25 June 2016

Dear Val,
Having read some of the posts on the appalling decision to leave the EU, can I just point out that there seems to be extreme confusion about which part of the UK is actually involved?
We have had 'England' - completely forgetting about the Welsh, the Scots and the Northern Irish; we have had 'Great Britain', which is the geographical description of the island that is England, Wales and Scotland (including islands); and finally we have the United Kingdom, which is the political entity comprising the above, plus Northern Ireland
It is the United Kingdom which is currently part of the European Union. However, the Scots and the Northern Irish did not vote to leave. This disastrous outcome may well lead to the fragmentation of the union of our kingdom, which we have had in place since 1800.
I object to the description of people who voted to leave as 'the great unwashed'! Statistics show that actually it was the over 65s who had a greater proportion of 'BREXITERS'. The younger generation, whom it most affects, were more likely to vote to remain. They feel betrayed today, as do the Scots and the Irish. 
The whole exercise was misguided and poorly thought out by Cameron, who is probably ruing the day he ever instigated this sorry affair and its unexpected outcome.
We shall see what the future brings.
Ann

and another from M

Hi Val & Mal, with all the concern regarding expats including employed or retired over here, do you think it would be helpful to suggest a meeting to discuss the situation. Maybe the British Consul in Montauban/Toulouse could attend to answer any questions that people might have. I am sure many are worried about the future over here in France and a meeting such as this might help. What do you think about a meeting?     I would rather you not put my name to this suggestion.  Regards, M