How the European Union could turn a short delay into the gradual dissolving of Brexit

SIR – How is this for a forecast of what is likely to happen?

1. The Prime Minister applies for a short delay.

2. The EU considers this but suggests, recommends or insists that a longer delay is required.

3. A longer delay entails more money, no seat at the table, and something tangible to give momentum, such as a general election or a new referendum.

4. A delay of 18 to 24 months will be approved with no need for elections to European Parliament (seats being held in limbo).

5. Brexit will wither on the vine within 12 months.

Lymington, Hampshire

SIR – I wish to help readers with a free translation service in these complex and confusing political times. Yesterday’s headline, “Theresa May will not ask EU for long extension,” means, “Eventually, Theresa May will ask the EU for long extension.”

Fetcham, Surrey

SIR – I hope and pray that one or two EU countries refuse any extension and that we may leave with a deal (that is to say, under World Trade Organisation terms) on March 29 at 11pm dead.

There is no such thing as a no-deal. There is, however, a deal with the electorate, of whom 17.4 million voted to leave.

Parliament has failed the people, and continues to betray them. Alan D Collins

Kotu, Gambia

SIR – Brexit delivered or Brexit betrayed? Please could Parliament hurry up and decide because I have a business to run.

I’ll let you know what I think at the next election.

Hertford

SIR – Does the Prime Minister really want to leave the EU?

Hoghton, Lancashire

SIR – All MPS should be made to read the report by Ambrose Evanspritchard (“Switzerland holding out against EU ultimatum”, Business, March 19).

It revealed the contempt that the Brussels elite have for national sovereignty and their willingness to abrogate existing treaties. It shows what is likely to happen if Mrs May’s deal is accepted, Brexit is delayed or we remain in the EU.

A no-deal departure on March 29 is the only escape, and once we are truly out we can negotiate a trade deal on favourable terms – on both sides. Major David Riddick (retd) Cranbrook, Kent

SIR – Philip Johnston (Comment, March 20) asks if a written constitution would have prevented this quagmire. Yes, but not simply by procedural clarity. Had a written constitution been in place, this situation would likely never have arisen.

When I vote, I entrust a politician my tiny quantum of political power. I expect it to be returned undiminished five years later. Transfers of power to Brussels breached this trust. With a proper constitution, the 2016 referendum would have been unnecessary, as we would not have become so deeply entwined with the EU. The electorate’s consent would likely have been required for Maastricht to be signed, as it would have represented a constitutional change. It would likely not have been given. The further transfer of power to Brussels, as in the Lisbon Treaty, would surely never have occurred.

A good constitution constrains the government; it protects the people against weak elected officials or overweening unelected ones. It anticipates its own amendment, but makes that process difficult.

The United Kingdom could start with the US constitution (perhaps after removal of the Second Amendment) and go from there. A document capable of constraining Donald Trump would surely have stopped Theresa May doing this much damage.

Wilsic, South Yorkshire

SIR – It is clear from your Letters page that people are frustrated and depressed by the shenanigans over Brexit. However, cartoonists and satirical writers must be delighted.

I imagine Matt, Bob, Blower and Michael Deacon can’t believe their luck in having such a wealth of government incompetence to help them in their work. Thanks are due to them all for providing us with a daily laugh to counter our depression.

Nailsworth, Gloucestershire

SIR – What a sad contrast, last week, between Cheltenham and Westminster! At the one, young men and women supremely courageous, unfailingly courteous and sportsmanlike, were doing their best to win; at the other treacherous, timid, intellectually challenged placemen were losing their collective nerve and integrity in an act of betrayal.

His Honour Patrick Hooton

Steep, Hampshire