Desperation of Government

Donald Trump.

Sir, - Since becoming PM, Theresa May has stressed that Brexit means Brexit in order to placate the Eurosceptic wing that dominates her party outside parliament.

She has now rushed headlong into a so-called hard Brexit, withdrawing from the single market, the customs union and the European Court of Justice.

This will cause untold economic damage.

Mrs May’s mantra that Brexit means Brexit can no longer conceal the air of crisis and paralysis surrounding the Government. The intractable political conflicts within the ruling elite evidenced in the referendum campaign remain unresolved.

Mrs May’s has decided to try to secure UK global interests through developing the closest possible relations with US President-elect Donald Trump.

In rushing to endorse Mr Trump, the anti-EU wing of the Tories has amplified statements made during the US election campaign supporting Brexit and pledging

that under his presidency the UK would receive a favourable trade agreement with the US.

Placing its fortunes in the hands of a reviled and unstable figure such as Mr Trump is a measure of the Government’s political desperation.

Mrs May’s position as the leader of a crisisridden party and Government is increasingly untenable.

The willingness of Mrs May now to endorse a hard Brexit is the crossing of one of Nicola Sturgeon’s red lines for calling a second referendum.

Scotland can only protect its interests through independence. The choice is stark. The other choice is dysfunctional Tory misrule. Alan Hinnrichs. 2 Gillespie Terrace, Dundee.