Nathalie Loiseau (Scrapping the protocol would be a betrayal of the people of Northern Ireland, 10 November) says that Brexiters in London refuse to see that the protocol is crucial to peace and prosperity.
I’m afraid the reality may be a lot darker. In their headlong ideological rush to “get Brexit done”, our leaders shafted Northern Ireland, which had voted to remain in Europe. They were forced to accept the protocol in order to get Brexit over the line and now belatedly realise that, far from being anathema to most in Northern Ireland, it is actually providing tangible benefits. Hence why a majority of the population and the Northern Irish chamber of commerce are supportive of it.
More significantly, it has resulted in a large increase in trade across the border with the Republic, increasing the long-term likelihood of a united Ireland. Brexiters have finally woken up to this and I suspect this is the real reason they want the protocol scrapped. With their usual disdain, they would be prepared to allow violence and instability to return in order to achieve their aims.
Austin Connor
Frithelstock, Devon
• Boris Johnson’s party, despite having “Unionist” in its full name, doesn’t stand in Northern Ireland elections. His party has a massive Commons majority and little need for DUP MPs’ support. He knows that there was a clear Remain majority in the province. He knows that essentially tearing up the Northern Ireland protocol he signed risks a return to a hard border and violent conflict.
It must be concluded therefore that Johnson’s only gain from needlessly stoking conflict in Northern Ireland is that he believes that attacking Brussels at every opportunity is critical to retaining “red wall” Tory votes. Sacrificing the hard-won peace in this corner of the UK is a small price to pay to keep himself in power.
Stephen Psallidas
Newcastle upon Tyne
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