I THINK Alan Benson (Stop Moaning, Postbag, July 6) appears to be confused about the meaning of the term “democracy”. 

He asks that everyone “accept that there was a majority vote to leave the EU”, and “start backing their great country”. 

Democracy is defined as “a system of government in which the citizens exercise power directly or elect representatives from among themselves to form a governing body”. 

It’s generally accepted that it requires “the active participation of the people, as citizens, in politics and civic life”; in other words, that people should actively try to ensure that their views are heard, even if those views are not in the majority or even popular.

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I’d highlight that it was a majority vote that took the UK into the then European Economic Community in 1973; and that in the more than 40 years since then, we have had to constantly listen to those complaining that we should leave. 

By his logic, all of those people should in fact have remained silent; and that there would never have been the referendum in 2016. 

The fact remains that people are entitled to change their minds, and to express their views.

Far from remaining silent, it is now essential that people continue challenge the resolution for the UK to exit the EU if they feel that it was a flawed decision. 

It would seem abundantly clear that the majority of people did not understand what work was actually involved, or believe what consequences might occur. 

It is also clear that those charged with undertaking the negotiations are not up to the task, either by training or disposition; and that the time frame available is inadequate for the necessary work. 

I for one could never remain silent while ideologues are determined to proceed on a course of action that seems likely to be harmful for the future of the country.

ANTHONY SUTCLIFFE
Taunton