Our fishing is certainly not up for negotiation We need mature debate

‘LET us fish in your waters or kiss goodbye to a free trade deal,’ cry the EU ‘negotiators’. All we should reply is: ‘Goodbye, we will deal with you on WTO terms.’

Michel Barnier doesn’t understand that the whole idea of Brexit is that we are not only taking back control of our laws, minds and land, but are also taking back our waters. As of December 31, they are our waters, our fish and jobs for our trawler crews.

ASHLeY SMITH, March, Cambs.

THE EU should be warned that it runs the risk of not getting a penny from the UK, nor any access whatsoever to our sovereign fishing rights. If it continues to make unacceptable demands.

I voted to leave the EU which means just that – not some pathetic compromise conceding agreements with Eurocrats to allow them to cherry pick the best deals. When we get out of the EU at the end of this year that should be the door closing on Brussels for the very last time. DeNNIS FORBeS GRATTAN,

Aberdeen. IT SEEMS it was perfectly OK for the Common Market to decimate the UK’s fishing industry when we joined what has morphed into the EU. However, it is not now acceptable to the EU for the UK to reclaim those fishing rights.

P. WILSON, Chester.

IF the suggestion offenders under 25 years of age shouldn’t be sent to prison because their brains aren’t fully developed is accepted, where does this leave the many other legally enshrined rights and obligations they have?

By inference, the brains of 16 and 17-year-olds will be well short of maturity so why have our politicians given them the right to vote? Why are the same individuals allowed to drive? Why are under25s allowed mortgages if they are incapable of fully understanding or appreciating the commitment they are entering into? If politicians possibly legislate in favour of keeping under-25s out of prison, this could set a precedent allowing challenges to both rights and obligations. Perhaps the decision to give the vote to 16 and 17-yearolds might also be challenged.

Maybe young, reckless drivers would employ lawyers claiming their accidents were the result of immature cognitive powers.

Could adoption of this recommendation ultimately remove culpability for any crime committed by under-25s? A dangerous route to follow.

GRAHAM WYLLIe, Greengairs, Lanarkshire.