Britain must unite in determination to make Brexit a success

SIR – Margaret Brown’s pessimism about Brexit (Letters, March 27) serves as a reminder that Britain needs to be all the more tenacious in its efforts to succeed.

When Singapore left the Malaysian federation over 50 years ago, it was self-belief and determination that turned it into one of the greatest trading nations in the world.

In order to do the same, Britain requires diversification through investment; however, investors need to have confidence in our will to succeed. It does not help when the likes of Lord Heseltine, Tony Blair and Tim Farron bad-mouth the electorate’s decision, and scorn our ability to survive outside the EU.

Nobody likes a sore loser. These people need to accept that the decision has been taken. Further negativity will only serve to undermine negotiations, both with the EU and other prospective trading partners, and damage Britain’s prospects. Andrew Woodward Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia SIR – Brexit, for me, will never be a “disappointment” or a “disaster”, as Margaret Brown fears. It will restore our independence and our ability to exploit opportunities in a world far larger than the insular EU.

It is possible that our politicians will not make the most of those opportunities, but we will be able to vote them out – something we have been unable to do with the EU elites.

The EU’s catastrophic mistakes – such as the euro – contrast with Britain’s proud history. When Theresa May invokes Article 50, I will rejoice. Tim Coles Carlton, Bedfordshire

SIR – Labour says it will vote against the negotiated Brexit deal unless its six conditions are met.

As these conditions have already been ruled out by the EU, the only conclusion that can be drawn is that Labour wants Britain to trade with the EU on World Trade Organisation terms. Instead of trying to work constructively towards a good trading relationship between Britain and the EU, Labour is at risk of harming this country’s prospects. Phil Coutie Exeter, Devon

SIR – Most trade negotiations start from a position of protection and seek to move towards freer trade.

Britain, however, already enjoys a free trade arrangement with the EU. We do not know what the EU’s negotiating position will be (does anyone?) but it is likely to be a move from freedom towards protectionism. Should this be the case, the EU will be in the position of arguing on the international stage for discrimination against a former member.

The idea that Britain’s position is weak in this matter is absurd. It is only so on the assumption that it is imperative to remain in the EU at all costs, and on the further assumption that EU politics exemplifies the adage about noses and faces. Kenneth Jones Leicester