PRIME Minister Johnson steams ahead to take the UK out of the EU without a deal on October 31.

He claims that “our European friends” will give us a better deal than the last one, concluded after long and difficult negotiations but rejected by parliament.

However, he refuses to start negotiations again.

When Philip Hammond, the last Chancellor, points out the dangers of crashing out of the EU without a deal, Johnson accuses him of “collaborating” with the EU.

You collaborate with enemies, not friends, so such inflammatory language is guaranteed to antagonize the EU.

Johnson clearly regards Hammond and the EU as enemies, not friends.

The original 2016 referendum never offered leaving the EU without a deal, which is all that the government now offers.

Now poll after poll confirms that a no-deal Brexit is definitely not what the public wants. Yet Johnson became Prime Minister, proclaiming “do or die” Brexit, voted into office by 92,000 Tory members. By contrast 6.1 million citizens have signed a petition calling for Article 50 to be revoked and so stop us leaving the EU without a deal on October 31. Which is more legitimate?

Crashing out of the EU without a deal will be seriously damaging to the UK, economically, socially and politically.

That is a reckless and destructive course of action that must be opposed, do or die.

Then, with no deal off the table, we can look at sensible options, which include leaving with an improved deal or remaining in the EU.

John Tomblin

Littlemoor Road,

Preston,

Weymouth