It’s time for the Conservatives to reach out to the Brexit Party

SIR – The result of the Brecon and Radnorshire by-election surely served as a reminder to the Prime Minister (if one were needed) of why the Government must form an electoral pact with the Brexit Party.

Despite more than 50 per cent of the electorate voting for pro-Leave parties, the people of Brecon and Radnorshire are now represented by the Liberal Democrat Jane Dodds, a hardcore Remainer, who has made clear that she intends to disrupt the Government’s plan to deliver Brexit.

Only by forming a pro-Brexit alliance can the Government prevent this situation being repeated in a future general election, and ensure that Ms Dodds’s parliamentary career is a short one.

Andrew Van Loen London E18

SIR – I am sorry that the Conservatives have lost Brecon and Radnorshire, particularly with their new leader, but fancy choosing the very candidate whose expense claim triggered a recall. I sometimes think the party lacks all common sense.

Andrew Rixon Hertford

SIR – Despite the Brecon result, the Lib Dems are no more than a one-trick pony, and will return to semi-oblivion once we have left the EU.

Their leader, Jo Swinson, has stated that, in the event of a second Leave vote in another referendum, she would continue to deny the will of the majority. So much for democracy.

Dave I’Anson Formby, Lancashire

SIR – The British motor industry has raised concerns about the tariffs that the EU could impose on our exports in the event of a no-deal Brexit, but we have not heard what tariffs the Government will be imposing on the thousands of vehicles that we import.

I am sure that Audi, Volkswagen, Mercedes, Renault and others are worried about the effect on their sales to Britain if we respond with similar tariffs, and suspect that German and French industrialists will influence their governments’ considerations.

Richard Gilbert Oakham, Rutland

SIR – I would like to reassure those who are concerned about the effect on trade of a no-deal Brexit.

The deal for the Americans to purchase Louisiana from the French for $15 million was brokered by the City bankers, Barings, in 1803 – while Britain and France were at war. The largest real estate sale in history, it doubled the size of the US, but the government could only afford $3 million in cash. Because Napoleon was desperate for hard currency, Barings accepted American-issued bonds for the balance and gave Napoleon the gold. He used this to finance his abortive invasion of England.

Withholding Britain’s divorce settlement from the EU might not be such a bad idea after all.

Nicholas Young London W13