An independent mediator could help settle the Brexit ‘divorce bill’ row

SIR – I cannot imagine how the European Union came up with a figure of €100billion as a putative Brexit “divorce bill” but, given the EU’S inflexibility, I cannot see how it is going to be possible to negotiate this down to a level that will be acceptable to the British people.

I agree, therefore, that the matter should be sent to an independent court to arbitrate (Business, September 2). Submitting this sort of case to arbitration or to independent specialists is common in the business world. It seems the right approach in this case and both sides could then argue that the resulting settlement is fair.

In the meantime, perhaps the negotiating teams could start talking about a free trade agreement. That is what I voted for in 1975. Barry Smith

Loughborough, Leicestershire

SIR – A divorce doesn’t normally start with the question of how much one should pay the other, but initially investigates a question of guilt by one party, or the mutual acceptance of the irretrievable breakdown in the relationship. What follows is a fair division of all assets, taking into account future pension benefits, property ownership and so on.

I agree with Guy Verhofstadt, the European Parliament’s chief Brexit negotiator (Comment, September 1), that there should be no drama in these negotiations. I therefore suggest that he and his fellow negotiators take such advice and behave in the manner in which a civilised divorce is concluded. Nasty bitter break-ups tend to provide evidence that the marriage was a mistake in the first place. Vivienne Colwill

Saltash, Cornwall

SIR – Divorce is not the way to think of coming out of the EU. We have resigned our membership, we have given a period of notice, and it is up to the Union to submit an invoice for any outstanding debts which it considers the liability of Britain. Their invoice should be fully referenced to the applicable clauses, sub-clauses and articles of the signed agreements, contracts and treaties. We will consider the invoice and either accept it, reject it or negotiate further. HB Vivian

West Malvern, Worcestershire

SIR – The Governor of Friuli-venezia Giulia thinks that “after Brexit, we need to help the people of Great Britain smile again” (report, September 1). Her solution, therefore, is that we should drink prosecco.

Perhaps it could be pointed out to her that a majority of the population are already happily smiling after Brexit. Also, once we have escaped from the EU, the Government will be able to reduce taxes and increase support to our own wine producers. More of us will then be able to enjoy the prize-winning sparking wines being produced not in Italy, but in Sussex and neighbouring counties. Geoffrey Whitehead

St Leonards-on-sea, East Sussex