Does Labour’s policy mean Britain leaving the European Union at all?

SIR – Would it be an impertinence to ask Sir Keir Starmer to explain how remaining under the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice, continuing to pay into the “common market” for “free” access and having trading arrangements undertaken on our behalf solely by the European Union, constitute leaving the EU – or indeed respecting the democratic will of the majority of those who voted?

I only ask because I would like to know. Stephen Bedford

North Cookley, Worcestershire

SIR – It was very informative to hear Sir James Dyson on Sunday’s Andrew Marr Show, in which he dispelled two popular myths relating to Brexit.

First, he explained that Dyson has already “fallen off the cliff ”, in that it pays the World Trade Organisation tariffs on its exports to the EU.

Secondly, he pointed out that complex supply chains under which components pass back and forth across the continent, such as those of the UK automotive industry, would not attract WTO tariffs, as there are reliefs covering this. The tariffs only apply to completed goods.

He finished by saying that 25 years’ experience had taught him that you cannot negotiate with the EU. Britain should walk away, and then: “They will come to us, as they need to sell us their goods.”

I find it reassuring to hear all of this from someone who is not a politician. Tim Beechey-newman

Caversham, Berkshire

SIR – It would appear that the European Union is a slow learner. Its less than half-hearted response to David Cameron played a large part in the subsequent referendum outcome.

Now the refusal by Michel Barnier to discuss future trading arrangements until Britain satisfies the EU’S financial greed might well result in the “hard Brexiteers” further imposing their demands on the Government.

If EU countries want a mutually acceptable outcome, an early – and significant – change to their current strategy is required. Derek Stevenson

Edinburgh

SIR – I knew the EU would play some dastardly master card. Yesterday I learnt what it was. We must pay a shed load of money or we cannot take our dogs into the EU. A game changer.

Holywell, Flintshire

SIR – Recent events in Catalonia have signposted an easy solution to Brexit.

England, Wales and Northern Ireland should declare independence from the United Kingdom. We would then immediately be drummed out of the EU – no delay, no talk of a divorce bill, no concern about the Irish border.

That would leave the Scots, as they apparently wish, as a member of the EU, and would have the added advantage of Scotland, for a change, having to pay for something. Steve Black

Keyworth, Nottinghamshire