Grassroots for Europe - letter to People's Vote leads

My comment deleted. Please ignore it.

Having just read the letter I agree with Ruth that there are some strong points in the letter. Though I understand concerns about the tone and we don't want to create/add to division within the pro EU movement. I don't feel able to give too strong an opinion on whether to sign the letter as I don't have too much knowledge myself of the dynamics between the groups, so I would defer to Claire who has been working with them.

OK folks, here is my response to Colin. I've not sent yet, so if you would like to comment, please feel free. In essence we agree with the issues being raised, but not the tone of the presentation.

Looks fine in general. I'd combine the second and third bullets 'the tone is generally negative and hectoring in places'. Also I don't see the threat in the first paragraph as clearly as you do - could that be toned down a little?

Not sure this is directly connected to the letter, but for a while I've had a concern that the media - even friendly newspapers like the Guardian - give the impression that the anti Brexit campaign is top down, driven by elite millionaires. Whereas as we know at the local level it's run on a shoestring by volunteers in their (our) spare time. Whether that's just lazy journalism or the fault of Britain for Europe, Best for Britain or the EM I don't know.

I think that is a really good point and people are really latched onto the idea that politics these days is just run by vested interests that have money. I think I will add a fourth bullet point in my letter - how can you (HQ) use us grassroots groups to the best effect?

Good plan. I wonder if you could consider removing your first section of bullet points explaining what is wrong with the letter, and only include the last set about the main points we can put forward? It might be enough to say the general tone is too strong, and doesn't fit with our experience, as you explain very well.

Thank you Ian and Alice for comments. Very helpful. I have made amendments and sent to Colin and cc'd our gmail address so people can see what I've said.

Great although only a few people have access to the gmail address (as far as I know).