Theresa May is surrendering Britain to a Brexit that satisfies no one

SIR – As a Leave voter, I feared that the political class would try to wriggle out of delivering Brexit, but was initially pleasantly surprised by Theresa May’s position. Since then, disappointment has been heaped upon disappointment.

The latest move, in the form of a decision to publish a “backstop” paper (report, June 8), is totally irrational: one should never let the other side in a negotiation see what terms you would really accept.

It now seems likely that Brexit will be delivered, but in a manner that will dissatisfy both Brexiteers and Remainers. I fear the consequences for our democracy. Trevor Jones

Sidmouth, Devon

SIR – “Mrs May also made concessions designed to head off a rebellion over the EU Withdrawal Bill next week”, says your report.

What could possibly be left of Brexit on which to make concessions? Clive More

Maidenhead, Berkshire SIR – I recently watched a 2017 speech by Jacob Rees-mogg on Brexit. It was informed, convincing, upbeat and passionate. Why have we never had such a speech from Mrs May? She, not the EU or its negotiators, the Irish Republic, the DUP, the Opposition or any other agent, is the single factor behind the constant faltering of the Brexit process.

If Mrs May feels she cannot deliver a clean Brexit – the policy which the electorate decided in June 2016 and on which the 2017 election was won – her duty is to stand down. If she will not, a leadership challenge is due. Richard Clark

Durham

SIR – Boris Johnson needs to do more than fulminate (“Boris: May must show more guts on Brexit”, report, June 8). He needs to strike sure and strike hard. Theresa May must go.

If the Foreign Secretary doesn’t draw the dagger, Mrs May will soon be announcing to the nation that the Brexit for which 17.4million of us voted has proved unattainable, and we’ll just have to lump it. Stephen Webbe

East Molesey, Surrey

SIR – If Boris Johnson’s fears of a bad deal materialise, the mantra is that no deal would be preferable.

What is rarely considered is the effect of no deal on the Irish border. “No deal” must imply a United Kingdom completely outside the EU, which could only protect itself by imposing a hard border between Eire and Ulster. Does that not of itself rule out the no-deal option? Neville Teller

London N13

SIR – Two years down the line and the Government’s Brexit strategy is in ruins.

If this is truly the most important issue to arise in half a century, why in heaven’s name do we not have a cross-party Cabinet whose only focus is to put Britain, and its interests, first? Veronica Timperley

London W1