The electorate should vote down Brexit lines to show the main parties where our allegiances lie

Since most British voters are not familiar with the voting system for the EU parliamentary election, they may not feel certain about how their votes may affect the political composition of the UK group of deputies to Strasbourg.

Still, I believe that rather than the names emerging from the ballot box, major parties are likely to take note of the number of votes cast for rival Remain and Leave approaches, constituency distribution of the votes and the way they may be reflected in a general election to decide their position regarding the Brexit deadlock. As such, voting in this particular election is far more significant for the future of this country than in any previous EU parliamentary elections or, indeed, the actual influence the parliament itself enjoys.

Hamid Elyassi
London E14

In yesterday’s letters, David Hardman describes his reasons for giving a tactical vote to the Lib Dems in the European parliamentary elections.

While I can see sense in tactical voting in some scenarios, I can’t help feeling there’s a bitter irony in supporting a party that did so much to bring about Brexit in the first place. The Lib Dems gave and still give support to the market economy-driven, austerity-obsessed policies of the Tories – the same destructive ethos that bred the discontent that manifested itself in the outpouring of anger expressed by so many Leave voters.

Electing a few more MEPs who’ll support the neoliberal consensus within the EU will merely give succour to the forces that are stoking the far-right conflagration in so many European countries. As long as the EU continues its love affair with market economics and austerity politics – ignoring the needs of large sections of populations – nationalistic populism will continue to grow.

Myself, I’ve always favoured remain and reform. A majority of MEPs belonging to the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European parliament would begin the process – which is why no Labour voter should consider tactical voting in this case.

Paul Halas

The daily digest of nature in peril and climate change linked to global warming is very important. Like it or not, humankind is at a crossroads in terms of the health of our one and only planet.

There is a danger, however, in that we may turn off and turn away from the reality of the issues due to feelings of helplessness. To offset those, we need to be aware of feel-good stories about conservation in action, including real-life practical initiatives and scientific breakthroughs which we can sign up to, support, share and feel as if we can individually make a difference.

Simon Watson
Worcester

In response to Michael Clarke’s letter about Remainers complaining about Leave only being 37 per cent of the population – they still won a majority, he says – surely the same reasoning applies to the phrase, “the British people have spoken...”? Only some of them have done so with that vote in the referendum. In Scotland, Northern Ireland, Gibraltar and London that is certainly not the case.

If he is so concerned about accuracy then maybe it should be replaced by: “A majority of older people in England and Wales plus some others in the rest of country, who actually voted, choose the Leave option in the referendum.”

I realise it does not have the same ring to it, but I presume Leavers will accept it is more accurate than the words currently used to describe the outcome?

Martyn Wilson
Farnborough, Hampshire

It is commendable that Michael Gove is giving £10m to fund tree-planting across the UK, however, if we are to reduce carbon in the long term the money would be better spent on funding Kelp farms. Kelp grows 30-60 per cent faster than trees and absorbs much more carbon from the seas around us.

Alec Watt
Yealmpton, Devon

Theresa May’s deal is doomed to fail. She is just using this as a tactic to remain in power as long as possible. Europe has slipped into meaningless conflicts and unmitigated catastrophes from the First and Second World Wars to the Srebrenica massacre.

It has realised that its strength lies in its resilience to face global and regional challenges in a united spirit. This spirit is much needed now especially when our globe is grappling with myriad issues from poverty to malnutrition, diseases, human trafficking, gender based violence, terrorism, climate change, air pollution, political disillusionment and religious rivalries and inexorable conflicts.

Our destiny is intertwined with Europe in the past, present and hopefully in the future.

Dr Munjed Farid Al Qutob
London NW2