Be prepared for more of a Brexit roller coaster in the coming months

Another weekend, another furore over our relationship with the European Union.

It has certainly got the attention of readers – with our letters inbox full of outrage over the government’s actions, as well as some making clear this type of negotiation was exactly why they wanted to see us removed from the European project.

Whether you believe that the final stages of Brexit – and the trade deals that are being signed/to be signed – will increase the UK’s international reputation or bury it, there is no doubt about the importance of what is being played out.

From the diplomats who have spoken to The Independent this week, to the former attorney general, Dominic Grieve, who writes today, there is clearly plenty of apprehension. Indeed that feeling hasn’t gone away for some since the result of the EU referendum was announced in 2016. The intervention of John Major and Tony Blair, not the first the pair have made in recent years, shows the depth of feeling.

The government is clear it is acting in the interests of the country and appears to believe that the ends justify the means. Many voters who handed the Conservatives their large majority back in 2019 may feel the same. That is what Boris Johnson is banking on.

What is clear is that we are all in for a bumpy ride between now and December – and likely much beyond that. This is an issue that sparks communication from readers like little else, so I am sure you will keep letting us know whether you believe the government is doing the right thing – even if the means may be questioned – or whether you are feeling lost at the prospect of the next few months.

As ever, we will keep you as informed as we can – and provide a platform for the voices that best get to the heart of the matter. You just may not agree with all of what they have to say.

Yours,

Chris Stevenson

Voices editor