The IMF has no right to lecture Britain on the consequences of Brexit
SIR – You report (September 18) that Christine Lagarde, head of the International Monetary Fund, has warned of the consequences of a nodeal Brexit.
I would be more worried about dire predictions from the IMF, and Ms Lagarde in particular, were it not for the fact that the IMF has a dreadful record when it comes to providing accurate forecasts about how the British economy is going to perform. David Kidd
Petersfield, Hampshire
SIR – Would it be too much to ask the IMF to offer an assessment of the impact of a no-deal Brexit on the economies of the remaining EU countries? Mike Manwaring
Horsham, West Sussex
SIR – The saddest thing about the latest piece of EU propaganda is to see our own Chancellor, Philip Hammond, himself a Remainer, smugly supporting this attempt to discredit our country’s economy and reputation. Mick Richards
Worcester
SIR – Charles Foster (Letters, September 18) may be technically correct that a “half-in, half-out” Brexit would represent the split in the country. However, being in this limbo state would have far worse effects than simply staying in – and would satisfy neither side.
We must either accept the result of the referendum or accept that we are no longer a democratic country. Adrian Waller
Woodsetts, South Yorkshire
SIR – Mr Foster should check his arithmetic. When did 48 equal 52? On that basis he must feel that a rugby match finishing at 52-48 is a draw. Trevor Anderson
Wadhurst, East Sussex
SIR – If the second referendum that some people are demanding is to be called a “People’s Vote”, what was the first one? And if the people get it wrong again, what will the subsequent referendums be called? Patrick Nicholls
Hemyock, Devon
SIR – Michael Gove has called on MPS to support the Chequers plan “for now” (report, September 18).
I have huge respect for Mr Gove. His intellect, vision and oratory are the envy of parliamentarians in both Houses. However, it is not clear why the EU would be more flexible in the future, when our negotiating position will be weaker. Why would it give us a better deal when we have already handed over £39billion?
If living with a severe disability has taught me anything, it is that you postpone pain at your peril. Sometimes you have to take the risk of painful surgery to stop a condition from killing you. Britain needs its politicians to hold their nerve. Lord Shinkwin (Con)
London SW1