The Brexit deadlock has shown up the Government’s failure to think boldly and decisively

SIR – It is clear that the Government intends to negotiate Brexit in name only, and to pay for the privilege.

Theresa May has been happy to concede at every turn. The aim is to prevent any regulatory divergence, and to allow the European Court of Justice to set the legal precedents.

There has been a profound lack of imagination – but one should not necessarily blame Mrs May. She is, after all, a Remainer, and is not known for decisiveness. Her administrators are also staunch supporters of the EU.

The fact that there is no alternative within the party is a worry. Other candidates will only use their Brexit credentials as a means to gain office, then follow the usual path.

Unless we have a government that is prepared to grasp this opportunity to reestablish Britain as an independent nation state, we are doomed to remain a region of the EU. Philip Honey

Retford, Nottinghamshire SIR – Will the Prime Minister please sit down with her Cabinet so they can come to a clear position on what they want our future to look like? Given her failure to do this so far, it is no surprise that the DUP were not brought on-side for Monday’s negotiations.

These negotiations could have consequences that will be felt for a century, whether the EU lasts that long or not. The Government’s failure to form a coherent plan is negligent. Jack William Ruddy

London SW6

SIR – The DUP is being blamed for the failure to reach agreement on a proposal for Britain’s withdrawal from the EU. This is a disgrace. The DUP has done what any self-respecting British person would do: it has defended the integrity of the United Kingdom.

It is beyond belief that any member of a British government could consider treating one part of the country differently from the rest, as this would ultimately lead to its break-up. Perhaps the thinking in Downing Street is that any Brexit deal is worthwhile, so long as it allows the Prime Minister to keep her position. This is quite wrong. Ken Shuttleworth

St Albans, Hertfordshire

SIR – The DUP’S demand that Northern Ireland should be treated like the rest of the UK in the Brexit settlement simply doesn’t stack up.

It demands a “soft border” with the Republic of Ireland, meaning that people and goods can cross without impediment, as is presently the case.

There is no reasonable prospect of the rest of the UK enjoying such a relationship with the EU after Brexit – so how can the DUP hope to achieve a “soft border” and equal treatment? Kenneth Preston

Hillsborough, Co Down

SIR – Switzerland has a shared border with four EU countries and is not a member of the EU’S single market. We have been living on the French side of the border near Geneva for years, and cross-border trade is quite peaceful.

The Swiss like to shop for groceries in France as the prices are better. There are, of course, some import restrictions (on, for example, the amount of butter, meat or wine one can bring across the border). The Swiss border guards do spot-checks.

Those on the French side, on the other hand, often buy petrol in Switzerland, as the prices are more competitive. The French rarely check for goods coming in from Switzerland, except during the January sales.

I can’t see why the situation should be any different between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Francis Vorhies

Divonne-les-bains, Ain, France

SIR – Everyone seems to have a view on how to solve the Brexit deadlock – except the official Opposition.

Labour’s favoured narrative is no doubt that the DUP is “holding the Government to ransom”, but the party has the power to change that stalemate with its votes. David Kenny

Tredunnock, Monmouthshire