THE writer of ‘No evidence of icebergs’ (Letters, March 2) is just one recent example of the complacency shown by recent ‘brexiteer’ letters.

The Titanic realised too late that about 85 per cent of an iceberg is underwater and not instantly obvious. Biased press and the mouths of Brexit politicians interpreting the supposed ‘will of the people’ will not reveal hidden ‘icebergs’.

One writer diligently listed many respected UK and international leaders and institutions whose analysis showed how the UK would economically suffer if we left the EU. Then proudly stated that he had ignored them all and voted out, out, out.

Immediately after the referendum the UK pound slumped by almost 20 per cent against the US dollar and 12 per cent against the Euro.

Prices of imported oil, petrol, diesel and gas for business and domestic use are now nearly 20 per cent more. The costs of travelling abroad for business and holidays have similarly increased. This devaluation will inevitably lead to increased UK inflation, though I admit our economy has so far been quite resilient.

Leaving the tariff-free EU customs union and the single market where we have 45 per cent of our trade is a big ‘iceberg’. The sight of our Prime Minister dashing to hold hands and discuss trade deals with Donald Trump and meeting dictator Erdogan of Turkey was not encouraging.

The UK treasury is expecting Brexit to blow a £59 billion hole in the UK public finances over the next five years. Further billions will go to the EU for commitments we have already made. These costs will further impact on UK public services like social care and the NHS (heavily supported by EU immigrant workers), prison service, police and education that are already in a funding crisis.

Tim Farron MP is right - we should have the opportunity to review our exit from the EU. Furiously waving the Union flag (what is going to happen to Scotland and the Irish border?) from the top of a big mountain of optimism and denial will not lead to the ‘promised land’ as a leave writer said, but only to La la land.

John Wright

Kendal