British businesses are already trading with ease under WTO rules
SIR – I run and own two companies, one in the United States and one in Britain. We frequently ship products to and from countries all over the world under World Trade Organisation protocols, and experience no problems. The tariffs vary from zero to about 4 per cent.
We have to answer three questions. What the goods are; what we are charging for them; and what the country of origin is. It takes about two minutes to fill in the form on the internet when we book a shipment. All shipping agents provide this service. There are no delays.
I cannot understand why there is all this talk of chaos if we leave the EU without a deal. John Kirby
Managing Director, Kirby Devon Yealmpton, Devon
SIR – For a number of years I managed a UK Trade Association in a traditional manufacturing industry which employs 24,000 people. I now have a wider European role and a good perspective on Brexit and how it affects, in particular, the UK market. The uncertainty of how the UK will leave the European Union and, more importantly, when this will happen, is having a significant, detrimental, and potentially long-term impact on this market, and I am sure many other sectors as well.
In 2018 this UK industry saw growth slow to 1 per cent and forecasts now expect negative numbers in 2019. Delays in purchasing decisions in the market are due to Brexit uncertainty.
A delay in leaving the EU is the worst possible scenario, even if it is only a few months. It will, if not brought to a conclusion, lead to the demise of businesses which are now starting to feel uncomfortable economic tremors, familiar to those of us who were managing businesses in 2008. Colin Watson
Secretary General, the European Office Furniture Federation Burghfield Common, Berkshire SIR – Why can’t those MPS who say that Britain must not leave the EU without a deal be honest and admit that they are doing this to keep Britain in the EU? If they get their way, why should the EU ever agree to an acceptable deal? It would ensure we never left. Michael Nicol
St Albans, Hertfordshire
SIR – Ministers who say they will do anything to avoid a no-deal Brexit should examine their motives. Are they really that worried about a no-deal Brexit? Or do they hope there is still a chance to stay in the EU?
No-deal will cause disruption, but it is the best way out of this mess. Delay will only prolong the agony. Peter Wiltshire
Binfield, Berkshire
SIR – Does taking no-deal off the table not put taken-to-the-cleaners firmly on it? Dr David Cottam
Montauriol, Lot-et-garonne, France