IN June, 2016, the British people voted by a large majority to leave the European Union in the largest democratic vote ever and many people voted who had not voted ever before because they thought their voices would be heard.

During the campaign, every house received a government pamphlet explaining leaving would mean leaving the single market, customs union and taking back control of our borders, laws and money.

We were told the result would be binding and carried through.

Mrs May announced that "Brexit means Brexit" and "no deal is better than a bad deal". Unfortunately, she has done an about turn and negotiated a deal that would not give us the benefit of Brexit, but would keep us tied to the EU indefinitely with no say and for which we will pay £39 billion for the privilege.

It is most likely to be voted down in parliament next week.

The prospect of a no-deal Brexit or trading on World Trade Organisation rules is gaining popularity with the public as it delivers most closely the vision that most people voted for.

Yet we are facing a daily bombardment of scare stories and warnings of impending disaster "uncharted water", "falling off a cliff edge", "crashing out", etc, and politicians across the political divide are gearing up to thwart the process by proposing another referendum, extending Article 50, and other versions of Brexit which basically keep us in by the back door.

The truth is that for two years civil servants have been working to make a smooth transition on WTO rules.

The EU would want an orderly exit as much as us and does not want chaos at its ports.

A large proportion of our trade is already done under WTO rules and these exports have grown three times faster than those to the single market. The UK's prowess was built on global trade outside of the EU operating on WTO rules the UK's highly industrial and commercial spirit could be resurrected for the benefit of all.

Brexit provides us with an unique opportunity to take control of our own destiny.

The £39 billion can be spent on our own priorities.

Ultimately it is up to the British people to ensure the Brexit we voted for is delivered.

Democracy is at stake. This is the time to make our feelings known to our MPs and to press them to have the courage to fight for our country. Maureen Walker

Bolton