MPS who delay the Brexit process will harm our chances of a good deal
SIR – It matters not a jot how MPS’ personal sympathies lie over Brexit, or even how their constituents voted in the referendum. The majority chose to leave the European Union, and it is the sworn duty of MPS to respect this democratic result and see that it is expedited.
Constant delaying tactics suggest only weakness, and the EU will use this to its advantage. The parliamentary whips need to have a few words with Tory loose cannons.
In the event of a final vote by Parliament, the choice must be: “Yes, we agree on the contract and will leave the EU on the appointed date” or “No, we don’t agree and are leaving without a deal.” There can be no in-between. Roger West
Appenzell, Switzerland
SIR – Yanis Varoufakis, the former Greek finance minister, has advised us that we should abandon Brexit talks now, as Britain is “sleepwalking into a disaster”. Meanwhile, Sir James Dyson has said that Britain should walk away from the EU without paying the “outrageous” divorce bill.
These two speak with experience. Given the manner in which the EU has conducted “negotiations” so far, I suggest their advice should be followed, thus saving time and money for all of us. John Barrie
Purley, Surrey
SIR – Lord Hague (Comment, November 14) makes an interesting case for viewing an eye-watering financial settlement with the EU (in return for some sort of free-trade deal) as nothing more than recognising our responsibilities.
However, this view is based on the notion that Britain has – with eyes wide open – participated fully in decisions over all future capital projects wholly or partly funded by Brussels. No doubt a number of these projects would be located within Britain. However, one has only to look at the blue plaques, with their ring of stars, already dotted round our towns and cities to realise that not all of them would represent the best possible use of taxpayers’ money.
Even if one accepts the basic truth of Lord Hague’s argument, there is no reason why British taxpayers should have to fork out billions in respect of future schemes planned for the other 27 member states. Once we are free of the EU, our own Government can decide which of any projects destined for Britain should receive public largesse. John Waine
Nuneaton, Warwickshire
SIR – A road in Surbiton, south London, has a yellow sign that reads: “20 is plenty”.
I suggest that this slogan should be repeated in all dealings with the EU. GRS Lumsdaine
Bordon, Hampshire
SIR – Has anyone else noticed that Michel Barnier has a fanatic’s stare? Will Wright
Hull, East Yorkshire