GRAHAM Pointer (letters, 29th November) uses intemperate language in dismissing my view that Article 50 of the Treaty On European Union is a trap, designed to catch any country that attempts escape from the EU.

But he has noticed the words “unless the European Council, in agreement with the Member State concerned, unanimously decides to extend this period [of exit negotiations]".

If the Brexit negotiations have failed to reach agreement after their allotted two-year span, then why should the bureaucrats on both sides want to end their comfortable and well-paid time around the negotiating tables?

It is perfectly possible that the Brexit negotiations will continue indefinitely.

Graham Pointer’s lack of manners is matched by his lack of insight into human nature.

Ralph Prothero, Southampton.