Britain must make the EU think about what ‘no deal’ would mean

SIR – Janet Daley (Comment, October 15) is right: you don’t enter into negotiations ready to accept any deal rather than walk away if a satisfactory one cannot be achieved.

If you did, the Brexit talks would be pointless. We must show Michel Barnier, Jean-Claude Juncker and the leaders of the other EU nations that we are willing to leave negotiations.

Preparing for a “no deal” situation would also convince them that we mean what we say. They must realise it is in their interests as well as ours to get a deal that suits both sides.

To accept any deal to keep us in the single market – regardless of cost in terms of money, border control and laws – would be a betrayal of 17.4 million voters. Enough time has already been wasted and we must now set a deadline for trade talks to begin. David Morgan

Shrewsbury

SIR – Given that Britain has offered £20 billion to the EU and been met with grim faces, it is obvious that we are being played like a kipper. As Ambrose Evans-Pritchard argues (Business, October 19), we need to prepare to activate a World Trade Organisation fallback plan straight away or apply to join the European Economic Area for 10 years on Norwegian terms.

But either way, we must stop dancing to the EU’s tune. B J Colby

Bristol

SIR – When I was minister with responsibility for trade policy, I signed the WTO treaty.

It does ensure that trading with the EU on WTO terms would mean only low tariffs on industrial goods. However, the treaty does little or nothing to protect our vital trade in services; nor does it prevent the use of non-tariff barriers as covert protectionism. It would mean customs forms and inspections making trade with our nearest, biggest and most manageable market infinitely more complex and expensive – in no way “a frictionless trading arrangement”. I can think of nothing more likely to be damaging to our overall performance as a trading nation. Tim Sainsbury London W8 SIR – Although the Prime Minister keeps saying that we want a “deep and special relationship” with the EU, I can’t recall anyone from the Commission reciprocating.

Is it possible that they just want the money? Bill Halkett

Bispham, Lancashire

SIR – The Prime Minister has clearly made an impact following her two interventions with the EU.

Her armchair critics should now stop sniping and allow her and her team to continue the good work, rather than undermining their efforts with unhelpful and contradictory comments. Anthony Haslam

Farnham, Surrey