Make or break talks split nation
■ REMEMBER the promises from 2016? Brexit means less red tape, we’d get a trade deal with the EU which would be “the easiest in history” and Brexit will restore the sovereignty of our Parliament?
Now the cold hard reality is dawning that these are broken Brexit promises. We face the calamity of an awful deal or no deal at all.
We are burning every possible bridge with our nearest neighbours and allies.
As for the sovereignty of Parliament, Boris Johnson had no qualms about proroguing it to get his way.
None of this was on the ballot paper in the 2016 referendum. This is not what people were promised. This is fanaticism, pure and simple.
Others have played a role in this sorry saga, especially the impostor Farage and the clueless Corbyn.
But be in no doubt where the prime responsibility lies – it’s 10 years of Tory misrule that has brought our country to this. On their heads be it. Kevin Sullivan, Swansea
■ Despite some unwanted consequences of a no-deal, it’s still better than cowering under the bullying tactics of some EU member states. We Brits have much to offer so let’s start as we mean to go on, by being true to ourselves. Yes, we may face a few difficulties but British people are resilient, innovative and hard working. We will overcome any early obstacles. In this 11th hour it is time to be strong, leave without a deal if that’s what it takes, give the people what they voted for and trust in us s to prove our worth.
Lorna Johns, Barrowford, Lancs s
■ I don’t think Boris Johnson wanted a deal – all he wants is someone to blame. He says we will prosper mightily if we leave the EU but that only means the wealthy and the business people, not the working people of this country.
I’m old enough to remember the Tories saying unemployment was a price worth paying in the days when we had North Sea oil and gas coming in to pay for it.
Now all we have is bluff, bluster and lies. I’m sure you know who’ll pay for the biggest act of self-harm in history.
Ted Rendchen Atherstone Warwicks
■ Reader David Bryant says a no-deal “may cause problems with imports and exports, but it is better than dancing to their tune” ( Your Voice, Dec 8). It’s a sentence that sums up why we’re in such a mess with Brexit.
People voted for something while knowing nothing of the consequences q – fooled by y lies and false promises. Maybe Mr Bryant will
understand more in 2021 when we have increased food prices, food and medicine shortages, no freedom of movement and Dickensian working conditions.
John Austin, Liverpool
■ It appears we are having trouble getting a trade deal because the EU doesn’t want us to be governed by our own courts, or to control our own fishing grounds.
When the UK joined the common fisheries policy our fleets where decimated. Whole towns were put out of work. Now the UK wants to reinvigorate these areas and the EU opposes it. We should just walk away and rebuild our industries. D Kent
Prescot, Merseyside
■ It is time Mr Johnson and Ms Von der Leyen started acting like responsible parents to the largest family in the world.
Grow up and make the decision instead of procrastinating.
There is a compromise if they would both swallow their pride and act a in the common interest. Make a deal and stop posturing.
B Kearney, Salford, Gtr Manchester