AN open letter to Neil Carmichael.

I am writing to urge you to vote against the triggering of Article 50 when it comes before parliament.

You campaigned for the UK to remain in the EU and thus, I hope, believe and understand that leaving would be a tragedy for our country.

It would deprive us all, young and old, of the freedoms and opportunities offered by being part of one of the greatest examples of international cooperation ever seen.

In addition, your constituency, where I live and vote, voted to remain.

Thus whether you consider your duty to be to vote as a delegate or as representative of your constituents, you should clearly vote to reject the triggering of Article 50.

Nationally, over 48 per cent of those that voted, wanted to stay in the EU, and yet in parliament there seems to be no representation of that part of the population.

In addition I urge you to lead by example, declare your intention to vote against leaving and do your utmost to persuade your parliamentary colleagues to follow their hearts and your example and stop this disastrous course of action now while we still can.

Sally Willis

Stroud