Audit boss ‘wrong on Brexit bill’

DOWNING Street slapped down the head of Whitehall’s spending watchdog last night after he said the UK would have to settle a £39billion Brexit divorce bill – even if it leaves without a deal.

Sir Amyas Morse, head of the National Audit Office, said Britain would become legally liable for the bill as soon as the Brexit withdrawal deal is agreed by MPs, probably this autumn.

Asked if the payment was conditional on a trade deal, Sir Amyas told the Commons Treasury Committee: ‘No, that’s not my understanding.’

‘As I understand this, the treaty, once approved, will pass into law in time for us to leave the EU and then will become legally binding. Therefore the payments would fall to be paid no matter what, under international law.’

Downing Street last night insisted he was wrong. Asked if the bill would remain payable if trade talks collapsed, the PM’s spokesman said: ‘No.’