Brexit sceptics should be reminded of the mess that Britain is escaping

SIR – Those like David Wiltshire (Letters, November 12) – who says he wishes he had voted against Brexit – seem to be influenced principally by short-term considerations.

Mr Wiltshire complains about the quality of our MPs. I agree that we need better ones but, as more powers have passed to the EU, the attractions of a parliamentary career have declined. The return of such powers should help to reverse this trend.

Meanwhile, too little attention is being given to what the consequences would have been had we not voted for Brexit. More and more powers would have been taken by Brussels, leading before long to our inclusion in a United States of Europe, with pan-EU taxation and no right to our own foreign policy.

Fortunately, we are returning to truly democratic government. If we do not like what MPs do, we can replace them – unlike the EU Commission, which cannot be voted out. John S Burton

Cheltenham, Gloucestershire SIR – It has been disquieting to read about the number of politicians who seem unable to accept the democratic will of the people.

In a further attempt to delay or block Brexit, these politicians are demanding line-by-line scrutiny of the European Union (Withdrawal) Bill and a vote on the Brexit deal. Where were they while thousands of EU laws and regulations were imposed on Britain without any such scrutiny? Clive More

Maidenhead, Berkshire

SIR – The EU must be reminded that it is the supplicant in these “negotiations”. It will have a UKshaped hole in its budget after Brexit, and a £70 billion export market at risk.

The EU is demanding money with menaces. If it persists, we should leave the talks and return only to discuss the Irish border and citizens’ rights. Nothing else matters if the EU continues to act in bad faith. Keith Phair

Felixstowe, Suffolk SIR – The EU refuses to move on to talks about our future relationship until it sees the money. The Government refuses to reveal its hand, wanting to retain leverage for the trade talks.

It is time to agree to whatever ridiculous sum the EU is demanding, while making clear that, in the event of no deal or a bad deal, we will pay only what we are legally obliged to pay – that is, not a penny. This would get trade talks started, and at the same time we would retain vital leverage. Andrew Loy

Oxford

SIR – One major Brexit problem is the lack of people in the Civil Service with experience in negotiations.

Would it not be an idea to draft in some industry personnel, experienced in international negotiations, to help? British industry could then be reassured that negotiations were weighted in its favour. Robert Bell

Brentford, Middlesex