Tories call for end to damaging Brexit split

Manchester, Oct. 2: British Finance Minister Philip Hammond warned Monday that cabinet divisions over Brexit risked undermining both EU negotiations and business confidence, joining figures across the ruling Conservative party in calling for a truce.

Prime Minister Theresa May has sought to use this week’s annual conference to present fresh ideas after her humiliating setback in June, when she called a snap vote only for the Conservatives to lose their parliamentary majority.

But questions persist over her leadership, fuelled by Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, who has challenged her by setting out his own vision for Britain’s departure from the European Union.

“The more we can show unity, the stronger our negotiating position in the EU would be,” Hammond told Sky News television.

“(Brexit minister) David Davis is doing a great job in Brussels, but his hand would be strengthened where it is clear that he has a united government behind him and a clear position.”

Earlier this year, Mr Hammond sought to press his own vision for a more gradual split from the EU, which is at odds with Johnson’s demands for a clean break.

But six months after Britain began the twoyear process of leaving, he said ministers must come together.

Asked if Mr Johnson should be fired for going off message, Hammond said: “Nobody is unsackable.” Other senior Tories have backed the call for unity, with popular Scottish party leader Ruth Davidson saying it was time to end the “psychodrama”.

International Trade secretary Liam Fox also backed May’s approach on Brexit, even if he wants to sever ties as soon as possible.