The Brexit negotiations are stalled. Both sides are going to have to move if the stall is not to develop into a crash.
Political choices need to be made in two key areas, both identified in the excellent speech by Lord Bridges in the House of Lords, as you reported (Former Brexit minister suggests government not being ‘honest’ about challenge of leaving EU, theguardian.com, 13 September).
First, there is an urgent need to agree how a transitional period will work. I have heard from business leaders in Europe in recent days that companies need to know this soon if they are not to start implementing worst-case plans. There is not time to negotiate a complex, tailor-made regime just for the transition. Arrangements need to stay essentially as they are now through the transition.
Second, both sides are going to have to make an effort to break the current logjam over money. The EU needs to accept that no British government can sign a cheque without having clarity on at least the main lines of the future partnership. Equally, the British side have to find a way (without naming a figure) of giving EU members confidence that Brexit will not leave them with a gaping hole in the five-year EU budget, which runs till 2020.
I am sure the negotiators can find solutions if the politicians on both sides can make the tough choice to compromise.
Peter Ricketts
House of Lords
• Miles Secker writes that “aristocratic society parades itself before a loyal and devoted public who voted Brexit to protect their traditions” (Letters, 11 September). As a lifelong republican who voted leave I was surprised to see his explanation of why I voted the way I did. If Mr Secker can confirm that the EU intends to abolish the British aristocracy and, while they’re at it, the monarchy, I’ll certainly reconsider my vote. If he can’t, then I’ll understand this is just another example of hard remainer idiocy.
Dr Harry Harmer
Eastbourne, East Sussex
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