The Reader: We can avoid a triple disaster by rejoining the EU

The UK faces a triple whammy in 2021. Covid and climate change are likely still to be with us. It seems too, in the light of recent news, that we will also have to cope with a no-deal Brexit. The implications for the economy and social cohesion are grave.

Understandably, given the success of the Leave brigade, even pro-EU politicians are reluctant to talk openly about rejoining. However, this really seems the only major thing we can do to avoid complete disaster for our country.
Andrew McLuskey

Editor's reply

Dear Andrew

I don’t agree that we should rejoin the EU. It would be deeply corrosive to trust in our democracy to reverse a decision before it’s been implemented. I also don’t share your pessimism about our prospects outside the EU. I’m confident that in the same way that we can overcome the impact of coronavirus — which has been far more severe than even the most pessimistic no-deal scenarios — we’ll do the same whatever the negotiations deliver.
Martin Bentham, Home Affairs Editor

Demolish offices and create parks

Could the reluctance of so many to return to the West End and City be an opportunity to create a greener central London? If sadly some businesses have to close and some offices remain unoccupied, then knock them down and create two new parks, one in the West End and one in the City.
Bill Ferguson

Astonished at lack of masks

I agree with Lucy Rigo [Letters, 2 September]. Having survived a painful bout of Covid in March, I am astonished at the number of people on public transport with no face mask. The best advice is: wear your own and don’t confront anyone not wearing theirs.
Dominic Shelmerdine​