I feel I must take exception to the views expressed by S J Mann on our likely departure from the EU (Your Letters September 27).

The ‘“appalling old fossils” he mentions are those MPs who have the courage to speak their mind and try to achieve what they feel is best for the country.

They are certainly not “opportunists”, as they must be aware that, come the next election, they may well lose their seats.

Having watched a number of debates on television, it would seem that the younger MPs were in favour of achieving a workable deal, which mirrors the fact that the majority of young voters in the referendum chose to remain.

The approach of the new Prime Minister is not helpful. To say we will leave by the end of October “do or die” is dramatic nonsense.

Trying to suspend Parliament to prevent MPs from debating the government’s proposals is clearly undemocratic, as the Supreme Court rightly decided.

For the government to characterise our present predicament as a battle between Parliament and the people is quite unacceptable, as it is a simplistic reading of the current situation and a cynical ploy to gain support.

Having a weak and indecisive opposition is a further hindrance to a viable outcome.

I feel that, although the result of the referendum should be respected, it should not be forgotten that almost half of the voting population wished to remain in the EU.

A compromise is necessary if public unrest is to be avoided, although the Prime Minister’s current rhetoric seems to make this implausible.

A deal with the EU is essential if we are to avoid the economic difficulties forecast by the majority of economists.

At the moment, however, tit seems there is little progress in this direction and that the current government would be quite happy to leave without a deal. 

I hope that cool heads will prevail, an equitable deal will be achieved (not necessarily by October 31) and the nation will emerge undivided.

James Archer, Trinity Way, Minehead.