LETTER: Exit must not be frustrated

That was part of the “ratchet effect”, which (with the ECHR) threatened to drive us into ever-closer union.

At one time Nick Herbert called for Britain to withdraw from the European Convention of Human Rights. It would now be helpful if he could now explain how he sees that being done and how we are likely to move to a trading arrangement with the EU.

Of course there are many trading options, ranging from the models of Switzerland and Norway through to South Korea, whose 2011 Trade Agreement reduced or eliminated duties on a range of goods and services.

Those options will have different cost/risk ratios, but we can continue to trade as we are now, pending negotiations.

But clearly the exit process must not be frustrated unduly, as it was after the French, Irish and Dutch, voted NO in a referendum.

Mr Juncker’s recent statement that we must now leave quickly, may have sounded reassuring but it is not consistent with what he said after the French referendum, ie “If it’s a Yes, we will say ‘on we go’, and if it’s a No we will say ‘we continue’.’’

The government must surely have contingency plans to counter such a cynical EU response and we have a right to know what they are. Of course the only issues open for negotiation, are to do with trade. The result of the Referendum itself is NOT up for negotiation.

So please Mr Herbert, tell us how you see negotiations progressing, which options might be considered and most importantly - how you expect to ensure that the will of the people is not frustrated?

Roger Arthur

Melrose Place, Storrington

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