Time for May to call EU’s bluff on trade

WITH Brexit only a little over ten months away, it grieves me to see so much disunity in Government in relation to negotiations. The constant bickering in Cabinet, and the fact that the Lords seemed determined to thwart the democratic vote of the British electorate I find sickening.

These politicians are paid for by the British tax-payer, so we are entitled to expect them to get on with the job. Instead, there appears to be a running battle between the Leavers and Remainers. Although Mrs May has made it clear we are leaving the Common Market and the Customs Union, it would seem some of her Ministers don’t share her view.

There is a way around all this: say to Europe that as there does not seem to be any room for manoeuvre in negotiations, then we will opt for WTO rules.

Now this has great benefits, for on leaving day, we cease to make any payments into the Euroland accounts. No so-called penalties to pay, and not having to touch the forelock to Euroland rules and regulations.

Then we can negotiate tariff terms if Brussels wishes to impose them, responding on a like for like basis. We will also be free to trade with the rest of the world arranging terms on a country by country basis.

Of course, the Remainers will say that we are turning our back on a huge market on our doorstep. Not so, for realism will dawn as German and French factories soon programme their politicians to be realistic and settle with the UK on preferential terms, with zero tariffs and free electronically controlled movement of goods. Exports from Europe to the UK are essential for Continental countries, and politicians red lines will soon disappear.

As a voter I do not wish to be governed by unelected bureaucrats in Brussels. I wish to be subject to British law and be ruled by British politicians whatever their political views may be. I wish that as a British business person, I can deal freely with any customer throughout the world, as long as they can pay.

Time for Mrs May to firmly rule. Russell Luckock is chairman of Birmingham pressings firm

AE Harris