A ‘Back the Brexit Deal’ postcard from the Conservatives will simply prompt a bitter reply

SIR – When I receive my “Back the Brexit Deal” postcard from the Conservative Party (report, December 1), I will re-direct it to No 10, spelling out how bitterly disappointed I am by the way the Prime Minister has misled the public over her deal.

We must change the leadership to someone who respects the value of democracy and listens to the public. Dr Jonathan Edwards

Ringwood, Hampshire

SIR – Having joined my Conservative Association more than 60 years ago, it saddens me to learn of resignations, as I read in your Letters pages and hear from friends. However, Sam Gyimah’s excellent article (December 1) clearly puts the reasons why many Conservative members, including me, are appalled by the proposed Withdrawal Agreement.

That said, I urge all who have resigned to rejoin, and those who are contemplating resigning to reconsider, so that they can be involved in selecting prospective parliamentary candidates for constituencies at the next election. Members of the local association have a vote in the selection process. So rejoin to make your voice heard locally and then nationally. Michael Craig-cooper

London SW1 SIR – Having read Sam Gyimah’s article about his reasons for resigning from the Government, many will be mystified as to why he is now calling for a second referendum on Britain’s membership of the EU.

He says that he has seen “firsthand the EU stack the deck against us [Britain] time and time again” and that the negotiations are “only a foretaste of what’s to come”.

Rightly, Mr Gyimah admits that signing up to Mrs May’s deal is not in the national interest, as it would set us up for failure, “having surrendered our voice, our vote and our veto”.

That being so, this ex-minister should not be supporting a new referendum but instead be thankful the Government already has a mandate from the electorate to leave the EU, and that there are clear benefits for Britain to trade under WTO terms. J Hill

Tiverton, Devon

SIR – I see from your report that Sam Gyimah has been tipped as a future Conservative leader. Hopefully not too far in the future. He is exactly what the Conservative Party needs right now. Young, intelligent and forward thinking. Jane Reed

London SW10 SIR – Recent correspondents all too often strike an angrily unconstructive note, as well as displaying inconsiderate impatience with a Conservative leader who courageously struggles amid formidable obstacles to keep both party and country united by seeking a practicable compromise.

In Parliament’s crucially important forthcoming Brexit debate, it would be helpful if MPS acknowledged how thoughtlessly the “democratic” label has become attached to the referendum of 2016. Until 1975, referendums had long been found useful by authoritarian regimes abroad, whereas Britain pursued democracy through parliaments responsive to the electorate.

Referendums, if held, could and can in this situation be only advisory, since no government can bind its successors. However, the tension between referendums and parliamentary government, not earlier apparent, is now manifest.

How best to resolve that tension? In our dire situation, there is merit in the older approach to democracy: that is, in a free vote by our MPS, who are, after all, paid to inform themselves on key issues, decide what is in the country’s interest, and then seek wider and up-to-date public support. Such an approach might more quickly reach a clear decision than any second referendum, with the bonus of memorably upholding parliamentary sovereignty, an objective widely favoured by Leavers and Remainers alike.

Professor Sir Brian Harrison Oxford

SIR – In the 2016 referendum the Government spent our money to promote Remain. If there were to be another referendum, would our money be spent on Remain or Leave? Ashleigh Werny

Penrith, Cumbria

SIR – Perhaps Mrs May should study our cat. When she decides to leave, she leaves. Jenny Jones

Bath, Somerset

SIR – Theresa May’s Brexit deal has all the hallmarks of an agreement between a jailer and a prisoner. Michael Prizant

Kenley, Surrey

SIR – I was completely stuck on the Quick Crossword on Friday: 10 Across, “PM’S team (7)”.

Turns out the answer was Cabinet. John Morton

Romsey, Hampshire