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We’re a laughing stock

With reference to J. Lilburne’s letter, I too am deeply disappointed with the position Robert Buckland has taken in supporting what is now being commonly referred to as ‘the worst deal in our history’.

I have had a series of email exchanges with him over what I feel is his misplaced support for it. On 14th November he mailed me to say that supporting it would be ‘the brave and right thing to do’

I almost fell off my chair when I read that he felt this would somehow be a ‘brave’ position to take, and I have to say that it has made me wonder about his integrity.

Is it a coincidence that our other Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson has taken the same view?

I believe that Theresa May is the worst Prime Minister in this country’s history. She gave away nearly every possible concession, and then even more to the extent that we are now in a far worse position than had we remained, and Robert Buckland wants to vote for that?

As a direct result of the May government’s gross negotiating incompetence we have been made a laughing stock. Our friends and allies around the world are expressing surprise and sympathy for what appears to be a beaten down and humiliated nation. How can Buckland and Tomlinson support that?

Far from it being the ‘brave and right’ thing to do, it will be the most cowardly act of their political careers.

C Evans, Home Close, Chiseldon

Lack of advice

South Swindon MP Robert Buckland is no ordinary lawyer, in fact he is one of the most eminent being a Queen’s Counsel and Solicitor-General in Her Majesty’s Government.

I consider he is well placed to advise on whether the Political Declaration has any legal force or is it just a concoction of aspirations similar to a Party manifesto?

Very sadly Mrs May has agreed to be a rule taker for an indeterminate period of time. Hence her acceptance of a clause which makes it clear that the UK will align itself with any decision of the EU to amend Custom Tariffs. This single act will make sure the UK is never able to negotiate a Free Trade Agreement while we are held in check by the Protocol referred to as a ‘backstop’.

As for the absurd claim that paying the EU a £39bn exit fee is good on the basis that it’s less than was first thought, demonstrates the economic illiteracy of a fool.

Of course the doom mongers projected a huge exit cost, which was roundly derided by a House of Lords Committee who opined the UK had no legal obligations to pay a penny. Indeed Article 50 offers no view on or requirement to pay an exit fee.

It never ceases to amaze how the Government indulges itself by citing a moral imperative to pay when in matters closer to home it always claims that it cannot go beyond the law.

Des Morgan, Caraway Drive, Swindon