May accepts amendments from hard-line Brexiteers
LONDON — British Prime Minister Theresa May Monday accepted amendments to a customs bill put forward by Brexit hardliners who oppose her plan for a “common rule book” with the European Union after the country leaves the bloc.
A Downing Street spokesperson said the government would not fight the amendments because it sees them as consistent with the prime minister’s plan as set out in a formal white paper last week.
However, critics said May had caved in to pressure from Brexit supporters who want a complete break with Europe. They said the changes would greatly limit May’s ability to move forward with the plan.
The amendments seek to limit the government’s ability to set up the customs arrangements May has advocated, which would keep close ties to Europe. They were proposed by the European Research Group, the research arm of May’s Conservative Party which is headed by lawmaker Jacob Rees-Mogg.
Another Conservative Party legislator, Anna Soubry, who opposes the “hard” Brexit that would see Britain leave the EU without a trade deal in place, said the acceptance of the amendments mean Rees-Mogg is now effectively “running Britain.”
May also came under fire Monday from a former cabinet minister who called for a new referendum, an idea rejected by the prime minister’s team. Former education secretary Justine Greening, also a Conservative, said Parliament was “gridlocked” over the divisive issue.
May’s recent white paper outlining plans for a common rule book with the EU over trade in goods has infuriated those who favour a complete break. She defended her plan as she opened the Farnborough International Airshow. She said it would safeguard vital jobs in the aviation industry.
Airbus signalled in June it would have to consider its longterm plans for Britain if there is no Brexit deal.