Proposed deal will break the peace

May is in Prime position for criticism

SIR, – The suggested deal agreed by Mrs May erodes the UK’s position not only in terms of the EU divorce settlement, but also far more seriously for any future trade agreement.

It is truly a very bad deal that will undoubtedly be rejected by the UK Parliament.

The EU has used the Irish “back stop” as a wrecking bar to force Northern Ireland under the direct legal jurisdiction of the EU within the customs union.

This has very little to do with protecting the EU market. It will result both in breaking the peace and guaranteeing no deal.

It should be noted that the political parties of the Republic of Ireland all share a common long-term aim of a united Ireland.

However, it is clearly stated as part of the GFA that this can only be achieved with the agreement of the majority of the population of Northern Ireland.

To date, no such consultation has taken place. The Irish Government has deliberately used the power of the EU to directly interfere in a bilateral agreement between the UK and Ireland. This is no part of Article 50. Perversely, the hard border that existed for a short period as a result of the Troubles was removed as part of the Belfast Agreement.

To equate the hardness of military structures that were removed with any normal peaceful border arrangements is effectively to accede to the threat of terrorist blackmail and is morally bankrupt. SIR, – A year ago, few expected Theresa May to last this long as Prime Minister, so we should all admire her grit, determination and stamina. Having been dealt a rotten hand, she has done a deal with the EU.

The deal is nobody’s first choice, but it respects the narrow win by “Leave” two years ago while protecting frictionless trade with the EU.

It could have been a lot better had Labour and the SNP got behind the Prime Minister in her negotiations, giving Britain a more-united position.

It is now up to those two parties to support, or at least not oppose, the deal in Parliament, or they will be responsible for the “no deal” chaos that follows.