Brexit is a national crisis, say former diplomats to Theresa May | Policy

More than 40 former British ambbadadors and high commissioners have written to Theresa May to warn her that Brexit has become a "national crisis" and urge her to delay proceedings until the government has more clarity on the likely future relations between Britain and Europe.

The letter, signed by many of the top diplomats of the past 20 years, underscores concerns that Britain's influence in the world will diminish if the country leaves the block of European trade and foreign policy.

In a joint statement, they write: "As former diplomats who have served around the world, we clearly understand what contributes to Britain's influence in the world. Our advice to Theresa May today is clear: we should not leave the EU when we do not know precisely about our final destination. Instead, we must use the mechanisms at our disposal, we must above all seek to extend the negotiation period of Article 50 ".

The signatories are headed by Sir Nigel Sheinwald, former Permanent Representative to the EU and Ambbadador to the United States, who on Wednesday declared his support for the People's Vote campaign for the first time.

Other signatories include more familiar opponents of Brexit, including Lord Kerr, author of Article 50, Lord Hannay, Permanent Representative to the EEC under the Margaret Thatcher Government, and Lord Ricketts, former Ambbadador to France and advisor to the national security of David Cameron.

They write: "The national interest of our country must always be paramount. The Brexit fiasco has already weakened the UK's position in the world. We strongly advocate a change of direction before it is too late. It is clear that Brexit has become a national crisis.

"There is no possible agreement that will constitute a reasonable alternative to the privileged one we have today as members of the EU with a seat at the table, in the single market and in the customs union, but outside the euro.[zone] and Schengen [area].

They add: "In addition to Article 50, there is now a powerful argument to return to citizens and ask them if they wish to negotiate the Brexit deal or if they prefer to stay at home." within the European Union. "

They warn: "If the Prime Minister's agreement is pbaded in Parliament, it will not be the end of Brexit, but the beginning of a year of negotiations and renegotiations – a real" Brexit "of 39, endless uncertainty about our future, citizens and businesses. "

The other signatories are Sir Roderic Lyne, Ambbadador of the United Kingdom to Russia (2000-2004), Christopher Prentice, Ambbadador to Iraq (2007-2009) and Italy (2011-2016), Sir Bryan Cartledge, Ambbadador to the Soviet Union ( 1985-1988). Ivor Roberts, Ambbadador to Yugoslavia (1994-1997) and Italy (2003-2006), Sir William Patey, Ambbadador to Iraq (2005-2006) and Afghanistan (2010-2012), Sir Richard Dalton, Ambbadador to Libya (1999) ). ) and Iran (2003-2006), Sir David Warren, Ambbadador to Japan (2008-2012) and Dame Nicola Brewer, former High Commissioner in South Africa (2009-2013).

Many diplomats have worried about the future influence of Britain when the shape of its foreign and defense relations with the European Union is unclear.

It is also worrying that the UK is leaving the EU at a time when the second pillar of UK foreign policy – transatlantic relations – has been called into question by Donald Trump's "America first" policy. .