Sticking with the Chequers plan would be a betrayal of the Brexit vote
SIR – At the last general election, the Conservative Party stood on a manifesto that promised to deliver the Brexit that 17.4 million people voted for in 2016, and that observed the red lines set out in the Lancaster House speech – namely leaving the single market, the customs union and the European Court of Justice.
The Chequers White Paper does not deliver the Brexit that we, as Conservatives, promised. The Common Rule Book allows ECJ overrule and severely hampers our ability to forge new free trade deals with the wider world. The Chequers proposals also threaten the integrity of our precious union with Northern Ireland.
We call on the Prime Minister to recognise the discontent over Chequers that is felt by parliamentarians, as well as party officers, activists, ordinary members and the general public, and to join us in pledging to stand up for Brexit by looking at alternatives to Chequers that respect the red lines and offer an
ambitious and positive global future for our country. Cllr Peter Bedford Chairman, Bosworth Conservative Association Cllr Damon Brown
Chairman, North Warwickshire Conservative Association Peter Byrne
Chairman, Clitheroe and District Conservative Association Lynne Connolly
Chairman, South Thanet Conservative Association and 41 others; see telegraph.co.uk
SIR – While Conservatives remember with admiration and fondness Margaret Thatcher’s immortal words, “The lady’s not for turning”, the same, unfortunately, cannot be said of Theresa May’s stubbornness in sticking to her Chequers plan.
Boris Johnson, with his “plan for a better Brexit” (September 28), sets out the way for us to regain control of the negotiation process and deliver what Theresa May said she would achieve in her Lancaster House speech.
For all MPs who believe in fully implementing Brexit, it is now or never to stand up and be counted. The Tory party, meanwhile, must elect a new leader who passionately believes in Brexit and has a clear vision. Dr Jonathan Edwards
Ringwood, Hampshire
SIR – Boris Johnson’s plans betray a lack of understanding of the situation in the Conservative Party. Should he force a leadership challenge, he would be taking over a Government without a majority, and with a rump of 40 backbench MPs opposed to his plans.
He would therefore have to hold an election with a fatigued electorate and an energised Opposition, leading a party whose popularity with the working-age population is through the floor, and abysmal among the under45s. I suggest some smelling salts and a lie-down before anyone does anything they may come to regret. Richard Coyle
Rochester, Kent