The EU is using Ireland as a cat’s paw to impose its own trade terms
SIR – Forget the Chequers, Norway or Canada-plus-plus-plus trade models as, beyond a vague political statement of intent, the EU refuses to negotiate a trade deal until after Brexit next March.
In the meantime, Brussels tells us we must sign a legally enforceable international treaty (Withdrawal Agreement), with a Northern Ireland backstop which emasculates future trade talks even before they start.
The draft Northern Ireland protocol is a backdoor attempt to impose by law vast swathes of the customs union and single market on the British economy.
It must be resisted, even if that results in no treaty and some shortterm disruption to trade. We are making decisions for the next 50 years, not just for one election cycle. Robert Birch
Brompton, North Yorkshire
SIR – Patrick Robertson, founder of the Bruges Group think tank, describes perfectly how Theresa May has surrendered to the hostile EU (Comment, October 5). She has caved in on nine major strategic issues and received not one concession in return. For those who voted Leave, Chequers is a shameful betrayal of the voters. It means that we are not leaving.
The Remain camp has won the day. And Boris Johnson is the only leader to be honest about this surrender.
Dr Alistair A Donald
Watlington, Oxfordshire
SIR – Theresa May is our Prime Minister. Despite her shortcomings, it is our duty to close ranks and support her in seeking an acceptable outcome to the negotiations for Britain’s exit from the European Union.
Once this process is concluded, we can then consider her possible replacement. Richard Skilbeck
Ashmansworth, Hampshire
SIR – How will we determine whether Brexit is a success or not? I think there should be a measure of success, comprising a few points, agreed before Brexit actually happens. Here’s my stab at it. Five years after Brexit referendum day all the following need to be true:
1) The UK’S nominal GDP ranking remains fifth or better;
2) The UK still comprises the same four countries;
3) There is no serious dispute (involving armed forces) between the UK and the EU;
4) There are fewer immigrants in the UK;
5) Unemployment is the same or better;
6) The value of the pound against a basket of currencies is the same or better.
Other suggestions? Christopher K Watts
Woking, Surrey
SIR – Can we please have an absolute ban on the use of the word clear by politicians? It is used too frequently, and often on occasions when the clarity is not apparent.
Dr Peter I Vardy
Runcorn, Cheshire