AFTER a campaign filled with increasingly preposterous arguments and predictions on both sides of the Brexit issue, on June 23, 2016, the electorate of this country voted by national referendum to withdraw from membership of the European Union.

This is the reality then and today, and it was an act of democracy, pure and simple. Accordingly, it is more than tiresome to have some politicians past and present still calling for a re-think and forming dissident groups and alliances in which to further their cause.

In euphemistic language these defenders of the status quo suggest that those voting to leave lacked the intellectual capacity to understand the possible consequences that may come our way. To the contrary, it is these isolated intellectuals rather than ordinary people who often don’t fully comprehend issues of this magnitude.

Of course there are risks in our leaving, but there are serious risks and disadvantages connected with staying in the EU as well, crucial ones when considering the dangerous state of the world today.

The drawbacks to remaining currently include continuing along the path of relinquishing our sovereignty to a body that is progressively undemocratic, having little or no control over our borders and immigration, and being a part of a union that is troubled by ongoing financial instability.

I suggest that no one can accurately foretell the outcome of our withdrawal until our negotiators are given the full and unfettered opportunity to represent our best interests and obtain the most advantageous settlement possible.

In order to succeed, they need the support of a united country. To deny that support can serve only to undermine and weaken the efforts of our negotiating team.

Now that Prime Minister May has invoked Article 50 to officially begin the process of our departure, it is time for this country to speak with one voice.

Incidentally, I voted to remain in the EU.

Ira Fishman

Sedgwick