Sir

Articles such as “Tory Leave campaigner denies Brexit caused hate crime” perpetuate a negative stereotype of Leave voters which misses essential complexity and let’s down the vulnerable minorities your paper rightly defends.

For example, the libertarians I represent were split over EU membership. Despite the wide-spread harm of immigration controls a majority, uncomfortable under the supremacy of the EU, voted Leave. Others, for whom racism and intolerance weighed heavily, voted Remain – despite similar concerns with the EU. Ashcroft data shows the open-borders Leave bloc may have contributed the margin of victory.

The situation in the Remain camp was similarly complex: 20% of Remain voters thought “ill” of immigration, according to Ashcroft poll data.

Looking at the motivations of all voters (using the referendum result and Ashcroft polls) just 17% voted primarily on immigration. Your article implies 52% harbour secret hatred of immigrants. By painting that picture, you triple the relevant number and create a hostile intent where there is none. This misrepresentation creates an empowering atmosphere for the miniscule minority of criminals you criticise.

Simon Gibbs
Libertarian Home
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