Total cross sections for electron detachment in collisions of H− and D− with Ne are calculated, using a model based on a first‐order solution to close‐coupled equations. Quantities needed for the calculation are the energy gap and the coupling between bound and free states. The energy gap is taken from previous calculations and the coupling is assumed to be of exponential form, with parameters adjusted to fit experimental data. Special examination is made of isotope effects in the cross sections.